Balasore: In a shocking incident, a female Integrated B.Ed. student student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College attempted self-immolation in front of the college principal’s chamber on Friday, allegedly over inaction on her harassment complaints. The student, identified as Soumyashree, sustained 90% burn injuries and is currently in critical condition.

She was initially rushed to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later referred to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.

According to her batchmates, Soumyashree had been under severe mental distress for the past several days due to alleged harassment by the Head of the Education Department, Samir Kumar Sahu. They claimed Sahu had been threatening her and allegedly made inappropriate demands on multiple occasions. He also reportedly warned her of academic consequences if she did not comply.

Despite lodging formal complaints with both the college principal and the local police, no substantial action was reportedly taken. Her repeated appeals for justice, including protests against the inaction, went unheard.

One of her classmates said Soumyashree took the extreme step shortly after a meeting with the college principal earlier in the day. A male student who tried to rescue her also sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment.

An acquaintance of the victim revealed the college had constituted an internal committee to look into her allegations, but no significant progress was made. The acquaintance demanded strict action against those responsible for pushing Soumyashree to the brink.

Following the incident, the Head of the Education Department, Samir Kumar Sahu has been detainied at the Sahadevkhunta Police Station.