Tension gripped Odisha on Wednesday as political outrage grew over the death of a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, who succumbed to burn injuries days after allegedly setting herself on fire following inaction over a sexual harassment complaint. The incident has led to massive protests and a bandh call in Balasore by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

The student, a second-year Integrated B.Ed. candidate, had earlier accused a professor of harassment. She reportedly attempted self-immolation immediately after exiting the principal’s chamber on July 12, citing the college’s lack of response to her plea for justice.

Despite being shifted from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for critical care, she was declared dead late on July 14. The AIIMS Burn Centre stated that the student suffered 95% burns and could not be revived despite intensive treatment and mechanical ventilation.

President Droupadi Murmu had visited the student at AIIMS shortly before her passing, highlighting the gravity of the situation at the national level.

The student’s father blamed the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the college for mishandling the case and preparing a “biased report” that drove his daughter to take the extreme step. “They are solely responsible for her death,” he said, holding the institution accountable for alleged institutional apathy.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the incident and promised strict action against those found guilty. “I assure the family that all those guilty in this case will face the strictest punishment as per the law. The government stands firmly by the family,” he said, while announcing an ex-gratia of ₹20 lakh to the victim’s family.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida also visited the grieving family at the hospital on Monday night.