BJD blames Odisha Govt, FM College Authorities, Balasore MP for College girl student’s self-immolation attempt

Bhubaneswar, July 12 (UNI) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today held the Odisha government, Fakir Mohan (FM) College authorities, local police and BJP MP from Balasore, Pratap Sarangi, accountable for the attempted self-immolation of a girl student in Balasore.

Addressing a press conference, BJD spokesperson Ipsita Sahu alleged that the second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College had submitted a written complaint on July 1, accusing an Assistant Professor of demanding sexual favours.

However, the college administration allegedly failed to act on the complaint, she alleged.

Sahu claimed that despite personally meeting MP Pratap Sarangi and approaching the police, the student received no justice.

“Shockingly, Sarangi dismissed the issue and failed to take any steps to help the student,” she stated.

After 12 days of unsuccessfully seeking redress, the student reportedly attempted to immolate herself by pouring petrol near the college premises.

Sahu noted that although the victim is associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the state government did not ensure her protection. She condemned what she called the “insensitive remarks” made by the college principal, demanding his immediate arrest and inclusion in the investigation.

Citing another recent case, Sahu said, “A college student was gang-raped at Gopalpur beach. Before the student community could recover from that trauma, this shocking incident at FM College has further shaken their morale.”
“These incidents reflect the worsening law and order situation for women and students in Odisha,” she added, accusing the BJP-led government of failing to ensure their safety and justice.

Meanwhile, a BJD delegation visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Friday night to inquire about the student’s condition and ongoing treatment. They also spoke with her brother and conveyed
Wishes for her speedy recovery.

In response to the incident, the Odisha government has suspended Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies at FM Autonomous College, following allegations of mental harassment made by the student.