"Odisha Govt must wake up": Congress demands reforms after student's self-immolation bid

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 13 : Congress leader and Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous has criticised the Odisha State government over its handling of the self-immolation bid by a woman student at the FM (Autonomous) College in Balasore following alleged harassment that went unaddressed.
"The state government has been completely deflecting the criticism and allegations that are being levied against it. Time and again, this innocent girl has been raising the complaint...The authorities have failed to give her protection. Unfortunately, she is also a member of the ABVP, and this clearly shows that when the people of the party, when the women of the party, are not safe, leaders are not able to protect them. What is the situation of women in the state? This is a grave concern...," Firdous said.
The MLA from Barabati-Cuttack has demanded action and reiterated the Congress party's demands for systemic reforms, including the appointment of a State Women's Commission and the formation of a House committee to probe crimes against women.
"I hope this is enough proof to awaken the State government so that they can really understand that the law and order situation is not going in the right direction...They should take proper remedial measures as demanded by the Congress party, which includes the appointment of a state women's commission and also includes making reforms in the system and appointing a House committee as well," the Congress MLA said.
The health condition of the 20-year-old, who set herself on fire on Saturday and is admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 95 per cent burns, is critical. She has been placed on ventilator suppport. State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited AIIMS to monitor her condition.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Sunday morning.
"The student is receiving treatment at Bhubaneswar AIIMS. Her condition is very critical, and a medical team has been assembled to provide her care. She is being treated according to the protocols of Delhi AIIMS. Today, I discussed with the team how to hold a virtual meeting with doctors at Delhi AIIMS. The meeting will focus on enhancing treatment and exploring possibilities for further improvement," Majhi said.
"The next 24 hours will be crucial for the patient. If necessary, we can also airlift her. The inquiry team has begun its investigation. Whatever report is produced, the government is taking it very seriously," he said.
BJD leader and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik took to X to post, "A young student resorting to self-immolation inside 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."
He said that girl was allegedly subjected to relentless sexual harassment by a teacher who repeatedly demanded sexual favours.
Stating that in a letter to the principal, she revealed that she had earlier attempted suicide but was saved, former Chief Minister said, "for months, she lived in fear and anguish. On July 1, in a desperate plea for help, she posted her grievance on social media, tagging several top officials. But with no action forthcoming, she tragically resorted to setting herself on fire, right outside the principal's chamber, in a final attempt to end her suffering."
"This tragic incident lays bare the stark reality of how she was denied justice, despite repeatedly voicing her grievances from the college principal to the higher education minister and right up to Union Minister and Odisha CM," said Patnaik.
Patnaik further urged the Governor Hari Babu Kabhampati to intervene and ensure that the student receives justice.
BJD leaders today staged a protest outside the Chief Minister's residence in Bhubaneswar.
The Higher Education Department, Odisha, on Saturday constituted a committee, to conduct a thorough inquiry into the alleged harassment case against Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor, FM Auto College.
According to Balasore SP Raj Prasad, the police have arrested the teacher and established prima facie evidence against him.
"In the case of a female student who attempted self-immolation, prima facie evidence has been established against a teacher. He has been arrested and forwarded to the court. This student had lodged a complaint with the Internal Compliance Committee on 30th June. We are enquiring about the findings of their report. Whoever is found guilty, accountability will be fixed for them," he said.
On Saturday, the Higher Education Department of Odisha government suspended the Assistant Professor, Samir Kumar Sahu, and Principal Dilip Ghosh of the FM (Auto) College
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo-motu cognizance of the incident and directed the Director General of Police, Odisha to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation, take strict action against the accused, and extend all necessary medical and psychological support to the victim free of cost. "An Action Taken Report must be submitted to the Commission within three days," the NCW said.