FM College girl self-immolation case: HoD arrested after suspension, victim undergoing treatment at AIIMS

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Balasore: The Head of the Department of Education, Sameer Kumar Sahu has been arrested following his suspension. The condition of the girl student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College (FM College) who had self-immolated herself is critical. She was shifted to AIIMS hospital in Bhubaneswar after her condition deteriorated and is undergoing treatment now.

She was pursuing her integrated BeD in the Education Department in FM College.

As per reports, a few students had sat on dharna in the college premises alleging misbehaviour by the HOD of Education Department of the College. At this time, the girl attempted self-immolation by pouring petrol on herself and setting fire. Soon, others rescued her in a critical condition and rushed to Balasore district Headquarter hospital for treatment. However, as per latest report, as the health condition of the student further deteriorated, she has been shifted to Bhubaneswar’s AIIMS hospital.

It has been learnt that the said student had filed a complaint of torture on her on 2^nd July. She had alleged that the HOD of the Education Department had been torturing her for the past 8 months. She even told the media that she had attempted suicide after not being able to bear it. On this complaint, the college Principal reportedly said that appropriate action would be taken after an impartial investigation. And today this incident took place.

Following the incident, tension prevailed in the College while Police rushed to the scene and lifted the lecturer. Police have detained the said lecturer and he was later arrested.

Taking cognisance of the incident, the Higher Education Minister, Suryavanshi Suraj said strict action will be taken in this matter.

This is an unfortunate incident. The state government has taken the incident with sensitivity. Both the HoD and the Principal have been suspended. The HoD of Education Department of FM College against whom the girl student had brought misbehave allegations, has been arrested.

A committee is being formed with a senior female officer of the secretary level, a senior academician, and the lady principal of another college.

Also Read: Balasore girl student self-immolation attempt: Odisha Higher Education Minister meets victim in AIIMS

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