Bhubaneswar: Taking a serious view of the tragic self-immolation attempt by a female student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, the Odisha government on Saturday suspended its Principal and the Head of the Education Department.
The Higher Education Department placed Principal Dilip Ghose and Head of the Education Department Samir Kumar Sahu for alleged negligence in addressing the student’s harassment complaints.
Police sources said that Sahu was subsequently detained by Sahadevkhunta Police in connection with the tragic incident at the college.
Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited AIIMS, Bhubaneswar to inquire about the health condition of the student, identified as Soumyashree, who is battling for life after suffering 90 per cent burn injuries in her immolation bid.
She was initially admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Balasore before being referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Considering the sensitivity of the incident, a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted. “Further action will be taken based on the committee’s report,” the Minister said.
As per sources, Soumyashree, an Integrated B.Ed student, attempted self-immolation in front of the college principal’s chamber allegedly due to harassment by the HOD and administration’s inaction. Her friends claimed that Sahu had been making inappropriate demands and warning her of academic consequences if she did not comply.
It was alleged that despite repeated complaints to both the college principal and local police, no concrete action was taken.
It was further claimed that Soumyashree met the principal just before taking the extreme step. A male student who rushed to save her also sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for immediate and stringent action against those responsible.