**Title:** Odisha Police Arrest ABVP Leader in Student’s Suicide Case
**Meta Description:** Odisha Police have arrested two individuals, including an ABVP leader, linked to a college student’s tragic suicide after her harassment complaint was ignored.
**URL Slug:** odisha-police-arrest-abvp-leader-student-suicide
**Headline:** Odisha Police Take Action: ABVP Leader Arrested Following College Student’s Suicide
In a significant development, Odisha Police have apprehended two individuals, including the joint secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), in relation to the tragic self-immolation of a college student in Balasore. The 20-year-old victim’s suicide was reportedly prompted by the college’s failure to address her sexual harassment complaint against a senior faculty member.
The incident occurred in early July when the second-year B Ed student set herself on fire outside the Principal’s office at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite suffering 90 percent burn injuries, she succumbed to her wounds on July 15, just two days after the incident, igniting widespread outrage and political turmoil across Odisha.
According to police reports, the student took this drastic step after her repeated complaints against the Head of Department (HOD), Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, were disregarded by the college administration, which was led by Principal Dillip Ghose. She had accused Sahoo of persistently soliciting sexual favors, threatening her with academic consequences, and subjecting her to mental harassment.
The investigation revealed that the student made the heartbreaking decision to end her life immediately following a meeting with the Principal, during which she felt pressured to withdraw her complaint to the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Her family alleged in the FIR that the Principal warned her that she would be driven to suicide if she did not retract her allegations.
Further inquiries indicated that HOD Sahoo had allegedly rallied a group of students against the victim, attempting to coerce the administration into taking action against her. Both the Principal and the HOD were previously arrested and suspended from their positions, facing serious charges, including abetment to suicide, sexual harassment, and outraging the modesty of a woman.
This incident has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the state government and accusing it of attempting to cover up the situation. The case continues to unfold, raising critical questions about the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What led to the student’s tragic decision to self-immolate?**
A: The student self-immolated after her complaints of sexual harassment against a faculty member were ignored by the college administration, leading to feelings of despair and hopelessness.
