Sambalpur: Amid a statewide outrage over Fakir Mohan Autonomous College tragedy, a similar self-immolation incident at Sambalpur University that had rocked Odisha around four years ago has again come under public glare.
The self-immolation case involving Sambalpur University employee Dinabandhu Mishra which had triggered uproar across the state in 2021 has once again drawn considerable attention.
Late Dinabandhu’s son Ankit Mishra has now renewed the demand for a high-level investigation into the controversial incident in front of the office of the university vice chancellor.
Addressing a press meet on Friday, Ankit made a fervent appeal to all concerned with folded hands for a CBI probe into the incident, alleging that justice was denied as repeated pleas had gone unheeded in the past.
Stating that the family had approached the authorities and written to all, including the Odisha Governor seeking a judicial inquiry, he said the then state government failed to pay any heed. Many eminent persons across the country had also demanded a judicial probe into the tragic incident, but nothing happened, Ankit said, adding that no one was arrested as the accused persons were left scot-free.
“I demand justice, legal action against those for whom my father set himself on fire. They are roaming scot-free,” he said.
Dinabandhu Mishra had died on April 20, 2021, after setting himself ablaze in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office, reportedly due to continuous mental torture and harassment. His suicide note had named specific individuals, accusing them of driving him to take the extreme step.
While the issue sparked outrage at the time, the family claims no concrete action was taken. Ankit has urged the authorities to initiate stringent legal proceedings against those named in the note.
The university administration and police are yet to respond to the the renewed demand made by the son of the deceased.
