**Title:** Principal Arrested After Student’s Self-Immolation in Odisha
**Meta Description:** Principal Dillip Kumar Ghosh of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College was arrested following a student’s self-immolation due to alleged sexual harassment.
**URL Slug:** principal-arrested-student-self-immolation-odisha
**Headline:** Principal of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College Arrested After Student’s Tragic Self-Immolation Incident
In a shocking incident at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, Principal Dillip Kumar Ghosh has been arrested following the attempted self-immolation of a female student. The student, who was pursuing a B Ed course, set herself on fire in front of the principal’s office last week after alleging prolonged sexual harassment by a senior faculty member. This tragic act has sparked widespread outrage over the college administration’s alleged inaction regarding her complaints.
The student suffered severe injuries, with over 90 percent of her body burned, and is currently in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Another student who attempted to rescue her also sustained serious injuries. Reports indicate that the victim took this drastic step after a meeting with Principal Ghosh, who allegedly dismissed her earlier complaints against Sameer Kumar Sahoo, the Head of the Integrated B Ed Department.
Witnesses have stated that the student had been visibly distressed for weeks, reportedly due to repeated harassment from Sahoo, who is accused of making inappropriate demands and threatening academic consequences if she did not comply. Despite submitting formal complaints to both the college authorities and local police, students claim that no significant action was taken. An internal committee was formed but reportedly failed to address the situation effectively.
In response to the incident, Odisha’s Higher Education Department acted swiftly, suspending Principal Ghosh and arresting Sahoo. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced that a high-level inquiry has been initiated, led by a director-level officer and a woman principal from another institution. He has also coordinated with AIIMS Bhubaneswar and the Chief Minister regarding the student’s medical treatment.
Balasore Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad confirmed that Sahoo has been presented in court, and multiple investigative teams have been established to examine the case thoroughly. A forensic team has also been deployed, and the report from the college’s internal committee is currently under review.
The incident has ignited a political uproar, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticizing the BJP government in Odisha. Ramesh highlighted that the victim, who is reportedly an office-bearer of the ruling party’s student wing, had sought help from authorities 20 days prior but was ignored. He questioned the safety of women in the state, stating, “If a female office-bearer of the ruling party is so helpless, what must be the condition of ordinary women?” Ramesh further criticized the government’s record on women’s safety, asserting that despite initiatives like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,” women continue to face significant threats.
In conclusion, the tragic self-immolation of the student has raised serious concerns about the safety and treatment of women in educational institutions. The ongoing investigations and political fallout highlight the urgent need for accountability and reform within the college administration and beyond.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What led to the self-immolation of the student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College?**
A: The student attempted self-immolation due to alleged prolonged sexual harassment by a senior faculty member, coupled with the college administration’s inaction on her complaints.