Odisha Student Fights For Life After Self-Immolation Over Alleged Harassment; Brother Vows Justice

A college student in Balasore, Odisha, is battling for her life at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar after resorting to self-immolation. This desperate act followed alleged inaction on her complaint of sexual harassment against a professor.

Brother’s Plea for Justice

The student’s brother, heartbroken and determined, spoke to NDTV, vowing to “go to any length” to secure justice for his sister. He recounted his sister’s recent communication, just two days prior to the incident. “She told me on the phone, ‘Brother, we are going to protest, we’ll get a statement from the principal.’ I encouraged her to obtain any statement possible from the principal, after which we planned to approach the police,” he shared.

Critical Condition and Uncertain Future

The young woman, studying at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, remains in critical condition. The incident has sparked outrage and concern, highlighting the urgent need for effective mechanisms to address sexual harassment complaints within educational institutions.