Could Another Girl's Tragic Death in Odisha Be Linked to Boyfriend's Blackmail?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Victims of relationship harassment need immediate support.
- Police response to harassment claims must be taken seriously.
- Societal awareness is crucial to prevent such tragedies.
- Legal measures should be strengthened to protect victims.
- Community involvement can help create safer environments.
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Bhubaneswar, August 6: In a heartbreaking incident of self-immolation, a female student tragically lost her life on Wednesday after she allegedly set herself ablaze due to harassment from her boyfriend in the Pattamundai area of Kendrapara district. The young woman was in her final year at a local college. The victim's father expressed to the media, "My daughter had been in a relationship with a young man. Following their breakup, he began to intimidate her, which led her to take this drastic action. He would send her obscene pictures and threatened her life." He also mentioned that they had approached the local police around six to eight months ago, who advised them to block her boyfriend's number. Early reports indicate that the girl's family was away when she allegedly committed suicide by igniting herself. Upon notification, Kendrapara's district Superintendent of Police, Siddharth Kataria, along with senior police officials, arrived at the scene to commence an investigation. SP Kataria informed reporters that the victim's father stated she had taken her own life, and an inquiry is underway to determine the true cause of death. He also promised to investigate the claims of police negligence made by the father. Notably, just days prior, a 16-year-old girl in the Balanga area of Puri district was set on fire by three unidentified assailants and later succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS, New Delhi. Additionally, a female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore had previously poured petrol on herself and self-immolated due to alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member, ultimately succumbing to over 90% burn injuries at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.