Odisha: Attempted self-immolation of girl reveals "stark reality of how she was denied justice," says Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], July 13 (ANI): Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik on Sunday voiced his concern over the attempted self-immolation of a college student in Balasore, stating that the tragic incident revealed the "stark reality of how she was denied justice" by the administration despite repeatedly raising grievances.
In a post on X, the former Odisha CM said that she posted her grievance on social media but as no action was taken she "tragically" resorted to self-immolation to end her suffering.
"For months, she lived in fear and anguish. On July 1, in a desperate plea for help, she posted her grievance on social media, tagging several top officials. But with no action forthcoming, she tragically resorted to setting herself on fire, right outside the principal's chamber, in a final attempt to end her suffering," Patnaik said.
"This tragic incident lays bare the stark reality of how she was denied justice, despite repeatedly voicing her grievances from the College Principal to the Higher Education Minister and right upto Union Minister and the Chief Minister," he added.
Patnaik urged the Governor Hari Babu Kabhampati to ensure that the student receives justice.
"In our higher education framework, the Governor serves as the Chancellor of key government-run universities, including FM University. I urge the Hon'ble Governor to intervene and ensure that the student receives the justice she so desperately sought," he said.
Naveen Patnaik also prayed to Lord Jagannath for her swift recovery.
"I pray to Lord Jagannatha for the speedy recovery of the Fakir Mohan University student," he said.
On Saturday, a Fakir Mohan Autonomous college student attempted self-immolation in protest over alleged sexual harassment by her teacher. She has been admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneshwar where her treatment is ongoing.
The Higher Education Department, Odisha, on Saturday constituted a committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the alleged harassment case against Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor, FM Auto College.This comes after the self-immolation attempt by a girl student of the college in Balasore.
The Balasore Police have arrested the accused in the self-immolation attempt case.
According to Balasore SP Raj Prasad, the police have established prima facie evidence against the teacher.
"In the case of a female student who attempted self-immolation, prima facie evidence has been established against a teacher. He has been arrested and forwarded to the court. This student had lodged a complaint with the Internal Compliance Committee on 30th June. We are enquiring about the findings of their report. Whoever is found guilty, accountability will be fixed for them," he said.
The Higher Education Department of the Odisha government on Saturday suspended the Assistant Professor and Principal of FM (Auto) College, following the self-immolation attempt of the college student. (ANI)