What Actions Are Being Taken by Odisha Police on Balasore Student's Self-Immolation Attempt?
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Synopsis
The National Commission for Women demands swift action from Odisha Police after a student’s tragic self-immolation attempt due to alleged sexual harassment by a teacher. This critical situation calls for immediate intervention and comprehensive support for the victim.
Key Takeaways
- The NCW has demanded a swift investigation into the incident.
- The student is in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
- Support and resources are being mobilized to assist the victim.
- Immediate action is required to address systemic harassment issues in educational institutions.
New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) The National Commission for Women has formally requested an Action Taken Report from the chief of the Odisha Police, to be submitted within three days. This request follows an alarming incident involving a government college student in Balasore, who allegedly attempted self-immolation after enduring sexual harassment from a teacher.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar expressed her condemnation of the occurrence and urged the Director General of Police in Odisha to conduct a thorough and timely investigation, ensuring stringent action against the perpetrator.
“The Action Taken Report is expected to be presented to the Commission within a three-day timeframe,” the NCW's notice stated, which was issued after the Commission took cognizance of the distressing case involving a 20-year-old student.
The student is currently in a critical condition, suffering from 90 percent burns and has been transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Furthermore, the NCW chairperson instructed the state government to provide all necessary medical and psychological support to the victim at no cost.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, has established a specialized committee to monitor the treatment of the B.Ed student.
Originally from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, she was admitted to AIIMS following her self-immolation attempt in front of the principal's office on Saturday, stemming from harassment by the Head of Department.
This second-year integrated B.Ed student ignited herself after dousing her body in petrol at the college entrance.
Prior to this tragic event, she had conducted a sit-in protest on campus, demanding disciplinary action against the accused HoD for his alleged misconduct.
Her frustration grew as the college authorities failed to act on her formal complaint against him.
Ashutosh Biswas, the director of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, stated, “The victim remains in critical condition. We are committed to providing the best care, and a multidisciplinary team is actively engaged in her treatment. The victim's lungs and kidneys have sustained damage, and she is currently on a ventilator in the ICU. With approximately 90 to 95 percent burns, we can only assess her recovery prospects after the next 24 to 48 hours.”
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the systemic issues that contribute to such heinous acts. The National Commission for Women's swift response highlights the need for robust mechanisms to address harassment in educational settings. We must support victims while ensuring accountability for perpetrators. This incident emphasizes a critical moment for societal change and the protection of women's rights.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the National Commission for Women to intervene?
The NCW intervened following a distressing incident where a college student attempted self-immolation due to alleged sexual harassment by a teacher.
What is the current status of the student?
The student is in critical condition with severe burns and is receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
What actions are expected from the Odisha Police?
The Odisha Police have been directed by the NCW to provide an Action Taken Report within three days and to ensure a thorough investigation of the incident.
What support is available for the victim?
The state government has been instructed to offer comprehensive medical and psychological support to the victim at no cost.
How is the situation being monitored?
AIIMS Bhubaneswar has formed an expert committee to oversee the treatment of the victim and ensure the best possible care.
