Bhubaneswar: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik has condemned the death Rajgangpur-based college student, who succumbed to burn injuries after setting herself on fire, allegedly due to harassment by her male friend.
The college student died while undergoing treatment at Rourkela’s IGH hospital in the wee hours of Monday.
Taking to his X handle, Patnaik has called for stricter law and order measures in the state, stating that such incidents point to a systemic failure of governance.
Patnaik expressed concern over the government’s inaction and political patronage, saying it’s becoming increasingly unsafe for women in Odisha. He demanded immediate action against the perpetrators and urged the government to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
“The tragic death of a college student in a fire at Lanjiberna under Rajgangpur police limits is heart-wrenching. In this sorrowful time, I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Even after the family members stated that they had received prior threats of being killed, the government’s inaction is astonishing everyone. How many more innocent lives will the government allow to be lost in such a manner? The government’s indifference towards preventing such rising incidents in Odisha is emboldening the criminals. People are feeling unsafe, and criminals are roaming freely. Whose security is the government providing? The government must take strict measures to establish law and order in the state. Let people get justice, and immediate firm action be taken against the criminals.
The 18-year-old student, who was pursuing her second year at Sarbati Devi Women’s College, had sustained 90% burns and was undergoing treatment at Rourkela’s IGH hospital. A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case.
