Odisha Student Sets Herself on Fire After Alleged Harassment, College Inaction

A tragic incident unfolded in Balasore, Odisha, where a 20-year-old college student resorted to self-immolation after allegedly facing sexual harassment by a faculty member and subsequent inaction by the college authorities. Days before the incident, the distressed student took to X (formerly Twitter), sharing her plight and threatening suicide if justice wasn’t served.

Father Accuses Teacher and Principal of Torment

The student’s father has accused the teacher and the college principal of creating an unbearable environment of torment for his daughter. He alleges that their constant pressure and refusal to address her harassment complaint led to her desperate act. The young woman is currently battling severe burns and fighting for her life.

A Cry for Help Ignored

The student’s post on X served as a desperate cry for help, outlining her ordeal and the lack of support from her college. This tragic incident highlights the critical need for stronger mechanisms to address sexual harassment complaints within educational institutions and provide adequate support to victims.