Bhubaneswar: The Fakir Mohan College girl who attempted self-immolation is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. She has been put on ventilator support at the ICU of the special burn ward. She sustained about 90 per cent burns on her body. A 12-member team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition.
“Her condition is still critical. She was put on a ventilator in a special ICU ward. Doctors from multiple departments are treating her. Around 90-95 per cent of her body suffered burns. After the burn, her kidneys were affected. We are keeping a close watch on her condition. We are providing the best care to her. We can predict her recovery after 24 to 48 hours of observation. We can think of airlifting only after her condition stabilises,” said Prof Ashutosh Biswas, Director of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar.
“We are communicating with the state government on the health updates of the girl,” added Prof Ashutosh Biswas.
As per Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s instructions, arrangements were made to airlift the victim to a better health institute. However, AIIMS Bhubaneswar doctors advised against it due to her serious condition. Government Chief Whip Saroj Pradhan assured that the government is ready to extend all support for her treatment and is prepared to airlift her at any time if necessary.
Meanwhile, a three-member probe team will visit Balasore FM College to investigate the alleged harassment of the girl by Assistant Professor Samir Sahu, the Head of the Department of Education Studies. Balasore police have arrested Sahu and suspended him, while Principal Dillip Kumar Ghosh has also been placed under suspension for alleged dereliction of duty.
The girl, a second-year integrated B.Ed student, allegedly set herself ablaze after being harassed by the HoD. She sustained severe burn wounds and was first rushed to Balasore Medical College before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The Sahadevkhunta Police arrested Sahu based on prima facie evidence, and the order directed that Ghosh remain at the office of the Collector and District Magistrate, Balasore, without leaving the station without prior permission.
The incident has sparked outrage among students and locals, who are demanding a fair probe and action against the accused professor Sahu. Balasore Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad confirmed that Sahu has been arrested and forwarded to court.
“We have corroborated crucial evidence. We are also investigating the role of the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which received a formal complaint from the victim and other students on June 30. The police are investigating whether the ICC followed due process, what findings it presented to the principal and the response of the college administration and higher authorities over the complaint,” said Balasore SP.
