NCW seeks time-bound probe into Odisha student’s self-immolation attempt

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Sunday took suo motu cognizance of a “deeply disturbing” incident from Odisha, where a college student in Balasore allegedly attempted self-immolation after facing sexual harassment and academic threats from the Head of Department.

The Commission has directed the State Director General of Police (DGP) to take strict action against the culprits and submit an Action Taken Report within three days.

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“The student, currently in critical condition with 90 per cent burns, has been shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has strongly condemned the incident and instructed the DGP to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation, take stringent action against the accused, and provide all necessary medical and psychological support to the victim free of cost,” the Commission said in a statement.

According to reports, on Saturday, a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan College, Balasore, set herself on fire in protest against the authorities’ inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a faculty member. She is currently battling for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where her condition remains “highly critical,” as per Dr Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of the institute.

Meanwhile, Odisha Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj told reporters that the state government has formed a committee to investigate the incident and thoroughly probe the harassment allegations against Assistant Professor Samira Kumar Sahu.

“This is a very unfortunate case, and we are handling it with utmost sensitivity. The Head of Department and the college principal have already been suspended, and the accused has been taken into police custody,” the minister said.