The tragic death of a college student in Odisha’s Balasore district has triggered an intense political storm, with the opposition accusing the ruling BJP government of institutional negligence and moral failure. The second-year BEd student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College died after setting herself ablaze in front of the Principal’s office, allegedly following prolonged sexual harassment by a faculty member and a series of ignored pleas for help.
The victim suffered 95% burns and was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar after initial treatment at the district hospital. Her death has ignited massive public outrage, with Opposition leaders describing it as not just a personal tragedy but a damning indictment of systemic collapse.
Naveen Patnaik: “Institutional Betrayal – A Planned Injustice”
Naveen Patnaik, Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and former Chief Minister, condemned the incident, calling it “nothing less than institutional betrayal – a planned injustice.” In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Patnaik said, “It is deeply heartbreaking to know that a young girl, who reached out to multiple authorities for justice, was abandoned by a failed system that should have protected her.”
He revealed that the student had reached out to several higher authorities including the college principal, Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, the Chief Minister’s Office, a Union Minister, and even personally met the Balasore MP. Yet, no meaningful intervention was made. “Had even one person taken her appeal seriously, her life might have been saved,” he said.
He urged Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati to ensure accountability, stating, “Those in power who ignored her desperate cries must be held responsible.”
Rahul Gandhi: “This is Murder by the BJP System”
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, echoed similar sentiments, calling it “murder by the BJP system.” In a sharp critique, he said the student had shown courage in raising her voice against harassment but was instead subjected to threats, humiliation, and inaction.
“This is not a case of suicide; it is a murder engineered by the system that failed her at every step. BJP’s machinery has repeatedly protected the guilty, and now an innocent daughter has been driven to self-immolation,” Gandhi posted on X. He directly addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “India’s daughters are burning and dying while you remain silent. The nation demands justice.”
Congress, joined by seven other political parties, has announced a statewide bandh on Thursday to protest what they termed the “Balasore horror.”
BJP’s Response: “Rahul Gandhi Playing Dirty Politics”
The ruling BJP has hit back, accusing the opposition of politicizing a sensitive tragedy. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a senior BJP leader from Odisha, slammed Rahul Gandhi for what he called “cheap political opportunism.”
“It’s deeply unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi is using the tragic death of a daughter of Odisha for political gain,” said Pradhan. “The BJP and Prime Minister Modi have consistently taken strong measures to ensure women’s safety and justice. Now is the time for justice, not petty politics. Rahul Gandhi must apologise to the grieving family for his irresponsible remarks.”
CM Manjhi Promises Justice
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi expressed condolences and promised stringent legal action. “I pray for her soul and strength for her family during this irreparable loss. The culprits involved in this case will face the strictest punishment under the law,” he said in a public statement. He confirmed that he has personally instructed state authorities to expedite action.
Timeline of Inaction
The student, before taking the extreme step, had reportedly written to the college principal about the harassment she faced. When no action was taken, she reached out to several top state and central leaders. Her last resort was to protest by setting herself on fire — a horrifying act that has now shaken public consciousness.
The Larger Outcry
Women’s rights organizations and student bodies across the country have expressed solidarity with the victim’s family, holding candlelight marches and protests. Many are demanding a judicial probe and the immediate suspension of all officials who failed to act.
Legal experts and activists have called the case a glaring example of systemic rot in institutional responses to sexual harassment complaints. “The case reflects not just individual negligence but deep-rooted apathy and failure of governance,” said a spokesperson from a national women’s rights commission.
This heartbreaking case is now at the center of a fierce political and societal debate — not only about justice for one victim but also about the role of institutions in protecting those most vulnerable. As Odisha braces for statewide protests, the call for accountability and systemic reform grows louder.
