Balasore Self-Immolation Case: Odisha Governor condoles death of student, vows "uncompromising punishment"

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 15 (ANI): Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, on Tuesday, expressed deep sorrow over the death of a student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore who had attempted self-immolation. Kambhampati termed it a tragic loss, assured that those responsible would face strict punishment. He also offered condolences to the student's family.
In a post on X, Governor Kambhampati wrote, "Shattered to learn of the untimely loss of a young student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Her passing is not just a tragedy; it is a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard our campuses."
https://x.com/DrHariBabuK/status/1944978034324595023
"The law will take its toughest course. Those responsible will face uncompromising punishment. My heart goes out to the grieving family. May they find strength in this hour of unbearable pain. Sadgati Praptirastu," the post reads.
Meanwhile, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, called the death of the 20-year-old Balasore student an "organised murder by the BJP's system," accusing the BJP of failing to protect the victim.
Gandhi alleged that the student, who set herself on fire after facing sexual harassment, was subjected to repeated threats, torments and humiliation instead of receiving justice.
In a post on X, LoP Gandhi wrote, "The death of a daughter fighting for justice in Odisha is nothing less than a murder by the BJP's system. That brave student raised her voice against sexual harassment, but instead of delivering justice, she was threatened, tormented, and repeatedly humiliated. Those who were supposed to protect her kept breaking her."
The LoP accused the BJP government of shielding the accused and called on Prime Minister Modi to break his silence, ensuring safety and justice for the daughters of India.
"As always, the BJP's system continued to shield the accused and forced an innocent daughter to set herself on fire. This is not suicide; it is an organised murder by the system. Modi ji, whether in Odisha or Manipur, the daughters of the nation are burning, breaking, and dying. And you? You remain silent. The country doesn't need your silence; it needs answers. India's daughters need safety and justice," the post reads.
On Monday, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar confirmed the death of the 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha's Balasore, who had attempted self-immolation.
The 20-year-old student set herself on fire after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment by her college's Head of Department. Despite lodging a formal complaint and seeking help from the principal, her pleas were ignored, leading to the tragic incident. The incident occurred at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College. (ANI)