What Compensation is Provided for the Victim's Family in the Self-immolation Case?
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Synopsis
A tragic case of self-immolation at a college has led to outrage and calls for justice. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a significant compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the victim's family, while ensuring strict action against those responsible. This incident raises critical questions about safety and accountability in educational institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Compensation of Rs 20 lakh announced for victim's family.
- Allegations of sexual harassment led to the tragic incident.
- Swift action taken against the accused, with arrests made.
- Political backlash highlights the need for accountability.
- Calls for improved safety measures in educational institutions.
Bhubaneswar, July 15 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the girl student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who tragically lost her life due to severe burns while receiving treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.
The Chief Minister conveyed his profound sorrow over the victim’s demise and instructed the authorities to ensure that all individuals responsible for this tragic incident face the most stringent repercussions.
“I assure the grieving family that all those implicated in this case will face the strictest penalties under the law. I have personally directed the authorities to take decisive action,” CM Majhi stated in a post on his X handle.
The victim, a B.Ed student, set herself on fire after dousing herself with petrol in front of the principal’s office, citing alleged sexual harassment by Samir Kumar Sahu, the Head of her department.
She suffered from over 90 percent burns and was initially transported to Balasore Medical College before being transferred to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, for advanced care.
Despite comprehensive treatment efforts, including renal replacement therapy and other critical interventions, her condition worsened, and she was pronounced clinically dead at 11:46 p.m. on Monday.
A medical bulletin from the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery indicated that the student was admitted to the ICU at AIIMS on July 12 at 5:15 p.m.
She had been referred from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital on Saturday.
In response to the incident, the accused, Sahu, was swiftly arrested by the Sahadevkhunta Police, facing charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 108 (abetment to suicide) and 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment).
Additionally, the local police apprehended the College Principal, Dillip Kumar Ghose, who has been suspended for not addressing the situation appropriately.
This incident has sparked significant political backlash in Odisha, with opposition parties including Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticizing the state government for its perceived indifference and negligence, attributing the victim's tragic death to these failures.
Point of View
It is vital to approach this tragic event with empathy and a commitment to truth. The self-immolation of a young student raises urgent questions about the safety and support systems in place within educational institutions. It is essential that we advocate for the victim's family and demand accountability from those in power to prevent future tragedies. Our focus remains on delivering accurate and responsible reporting, ensuring that the voices of the affected are heard.
NationPress
17/07/2025
