Bhubaneswar: BJD Chief and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has expressed shock and distress over the FM College girl’s self-immolation attempt. Patnaik prayed for the student’s swift recovery from the grievous burn injuries and urged the Governor to intervene to ensure justice for the victim.
Patnaik said that the student allegedly faced relentless sexual harassment by a teacher who repeatedly demanded sexual favours. Despite voicing her grievances to the college principal, the Higher Education Minister, the Union Minister, and even the Chief Minister’s office, she was denied justice, he alleged.
In a desperate plea for help, the student posted her grievance on social media on July 1, tagging several top officials. However, when no action was taken, she resorted to setting herself on fire outside the principal’s chamber, Patnaik stated.
Patnaik highlighted the failure of the system in addressing the students’ complaints and urged the Governor, who serves as the Chancellor of key government-run universities, including FM University, to intervene and ensure justice for the victim. The student is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
