Bhubaneswar: The health condition of the 20-year-old student who attempted self-immolation over an alleged sexual harassment incident in Balasore district remains critical, doctors at AIIMS Bhubaneswar said on Sunday.
She is currently on ventilator support and has been placed under dialysis as part of renal replacement therapy.
The Head of the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery at AIIMS Bhubaneswar Dr. Sanjay Kumar Giri said that dialysis was initiated following consultations with specialists at AIIMS Delhi.”
The second-year student of the integrated B.Ed. programme at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore had set herself ablaze on Saturday, reportedly demanding action against a faculty member who allegedly sexually assaulted and mentally harassed her.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Giri said the patient had sustained nearly 90% burn injuries and remains in an extremely critical condition.
“Her face is also burnt. She was immediately ‘intubated’ and put on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties. We are providing all essential treatments and monitoring her condition closely. Multiple departments, including cardiology, critical care, pulmonary medicine, and nephrology, are involved in her care,” he said.
“She has a high heart rate of 180 beats per minute even under ventilator support. Primary treatments such as fluid administration and wound dressing have been done. However, given the severity of the injuries, her condition remains unstable,” Dr Giri added.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr Ashutosh Biswas said nearly 90-95% of the student’s body has been severely burnt, affecting her kidneys and lungs.
“The next 48 hours are crucial. So far, there is no sign of improvement. A 10-member expert medical committee has been constituted to oversee her treatment. The team comprises specialists from anaesthesiology, pulmonary medicine, nephrology, and burn care,” he informed.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who visited the hospital on Sunday, said the state government is closely monitoring the situation.
“The student is receiving treatment on par with AIIMS Delhi standards. A medical team has been formed. If her condition stabilises, the government will consider airlifting her for advanced care,” the Chief Minister said.
Following the incident, the Odisha Higher Education Department suspended the college principal for failing in his duties. Balasore police have arrested the accused teacher, identified as Samira Kumar Sahu.
