Odisha girl who self-immolated on college campus dies
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief and assured the family of the deceased that all those guilty in this case will face the strictest punishment as per the law
by Satyasundar Barik · The HinduThe girl who had set herself on fire on a college campus after her repeated complaints of harassment by a teacher were ignored succumbed to her burn injuries hours after President Droupadi Murmu visited her at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday (July 14, 2025) evening.
“Despite adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management including renal replacement therapy at Burns ICU, she could not be revived and was declared clinically dead at 11.46 p.m. on July 14,” says a bulletin of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite the government fulfilling all responsibilities and the relentless efforts of the team of specialist doctors, her life could not be saved. I pray for the departed soul to rest in peace and give strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss,” said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in a post on social media site ‘X’.
Mr. Majhi, however, said, “I assure the family of the deceased student that all those guilty in this case will face the stringent punishment as per the law. For this, I have personally issued instructions to the authorities. The government stands firmly with the family.”
On Saturday (July 12, 2025), the 20-year-old girl, who was pursuing the B.Ed. programme, had set her on fire after pouring petrol on her outside office of principal during a student protest over non-redressal of grievance against the teacher.
A political uproar ensued on campus of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar soon after the news of death broke. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and several BJP MLAs reached AIIMS, Bhubaneswar campus to pay their last respect.
When the process of post-mortem followed, a group of Biju Janata Dal leaders tried to block road alleging that the government was conspiring to hush up the matter by hurriedly conducting post-mortem and sending the body to Balasore. They were joined by Congress workers late night on Monday (July 14, 2025).
After postmortem was performed, they body was sent to Balasore by hearse van. Given the tense situation, police were alerted to ensure adequate security along the route. Security was also deployed in the capital city, Bhubaneswar.
Ms. Murmu who came to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar on Monday (July 14, 2025) for its 5th convocation had visited the burn unit and discussed the line of treatment with a group of specialist doctors. She was accompanied by Mr. Majhi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The death had already triggered a massive political controversy with both the BJD and the Congress demanding judicial inquiry. Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik had said the girl was denied justice at every level.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and National Commission for Women (NCW) have taken cognisance of the matter. Crime Against Women and Children Wing of Odisha’s Crime Branch of Police is conducting separate investigation into the matter.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampat on Monday (July 14, 2025) had sought a detailed report on the issue. Though accused teacher Samir Sahu, Head of Education Department in FM Autonomous College, was arrested on July 12, Principal Dillip Ghosh, who was suspended subsequently, was arrested on Monday (July 14, 2025).
The death of the 20-year-old girl had thrown a spotlight on the functioning of the Internal Complaint Committee, the constitution of which was mandated Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. The State Government on Monday (July 14, 2025) asked all colleges to form those committees within 24 hours.
The girl had approached every possible authority for redressal of her grievance. However, as the concrete assurance eluded, she had nothing option, but to end her life, said family members.