Bhubaneswar: Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, along with Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, who succumbed to burn injuries late Monday night at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
The student had attempted self-immolation on campus after allegedly facing sexual harassment by the head of her department.
Taking to social media platform X, Naveen Patnaik said he was “deeply saddened and heartbroken” to learn about the student’s death.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family during this difficult time,” he posted.
Calling the incident a consequence of systemic failure, Patnaik further wrote, “What troubles me the most is how a failed system could take away a life. This is not an accident but the result of a system that remained silent when help was needed. Despite her continuous struggle for justice, the girl ultimately lost her life. She courageously reported the sexual harassment she faced to the college authorities in writing. After being ignored by the college officials, she did not stop — she approached the Higher Education Minister, the Chief Minister’s Office, and even a Union Minister. She personally met the Balasore MP to express her grievances. Had someone taken responsibility and intervened in time, her life could have been saved. She did not die only from physical injuries but also from the government’s neglect, which left her to fight her battle alone. This entire episode is nothing less than a betrayal of trust — a planned injustice. I once again urge the Governor of Odisha to ensure that not only the college authorities but also those in power who failed to act are held accountable. The pain of the family is unimaginable. I pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul and strength for the family to bear this tragic loss. Om Shanti.”
Similarly, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a strongly-worded post on X, said the student’s death was “not suicide, but murder by the system.”
In his post on X, Gandhi wrote, “That brave student raised her voice against sexual harassment — but instead of delivering justice, she was threatened, tormented, and repeatedly humiliated. Those who were supposed to protect her kept breaking her. As always, the BJP’s system continued to shield the accused — and forced an innocent daughter to set herself on fire. This is not suicide; it is an organised murder by the system. Modi ji, whether in Odisha or Manipur — the daughters of the nation are burning, breaking, and dying. And you? You remain silent. The country does not need your silence; it needs answers. India’s daughters deserve safety and justice.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with student organisations, civil society groups, and opposition parties demanding immediate action against those responsible for the alleged inaction and negligence.
