Tragic Incident at Balasore College: Naveen Patnaik Calls for Justice

A Distressing Event Unfolds at Fakir Mohan College

Bhubaneswar/Balasore: The Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, expressed his shock and sorrow over a tragic incident involving a female student at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, who attempted self-immolation on campus. He has called upon the Governor to step in and ensure justice for the victim.

Patnaik, who recently underwent successful spine surgery, conveyed his distress regarding the case of a 20-year-old student who set herself ablaze due to alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member.

In a heartfelt message shared on X, Patnaik stated, "The act of a young student resorting to self-immolation at one of Odisha's esteemed universities is profoundly shocking. I pray for her swift recovery from the severe burn injuries she has sustained."

The victim reportedly faced continuous harassment from a teacher who demanded inappropriate favors. In a letter to the college principal, she disclosed a previous suicide attempt, which she survived, according to Patnaik.

Patnaik highlighted that the student endured months of fear and distress. On July 1, she took to social media to voice her concerns, tagging various high-ranking officials, but received no response. In a desperate act, she set herself on fire outside the principal's office, seeking an end to her suffering.

This heartbreaking incident underscores the failure to provide justice, despite her repeated appeals to the College Principal, the Higher Education Minister, and even the Union Minister and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Patnaik noted that the Governor, as Chancellor of significant government universities including FM University, has a role to play. He urged the Honorable Governor (@GovernorOdisha) to intervene and ensure that the student receives the justice she desperately needs. He once again prayed for the quick recovery of the Fakir Mohan University student.

Public Reaction and Calls for Action

A young student resorting to self-immolation in one of #Odisha’s premier Universities is both shocking and deeply distressing. I fervently pray to Lord Jagannatha for her swift recovery from the grievous burn injuries.

She was allegedly subjected to relentless sexual harassment…

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 13, 2025