Bhubaneswar: Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka today moved an Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha seeking a discussion on the death of a student from Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha. The student had allegedly attempted self-immolation due to harassment and later succumbed to burn injuries while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

In his notice to the Speaker, Ulaka described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and a reflection of “systemic apathy and institutional failure.” He pointed out that the student had been facing persistent harassment from certain faculty members and peers. Despite making several verbal and written complaints, the college administration allegedly failed to take any concrete action.

“This incident has sent shockwaves across the state and the country, exposing the systemic apathy, lack of accountability and the absence of effective grievance redressal mechanisms in educational institutions. It reflects a serious failure of governance and a violation of the duty of care owed to students by educational institutions and the state,” MP Ulaka stated in his motion.

The Koraput MP demanded that Parliament should take up the issue on priority and hold accountable those responsible for the negligence.

He proposed several remedial measures to prevent such tragedies in the future, including a time-bound and supervised investigation into the incident, suspension of officials found negligent, mandatory campus safety audits and formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC), strict compliance with the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, installation of surveillance systems, a 24x7 confidential digital complaint platform with tracking features, a rapid harassment response protocol with a 72-hour protective mandate, trauma counselling for victims, protection for witnesses and the victim’s family, and a fast-track trial process monitored with clear timelines.