Odisha student, who set herself on fire over inaction on her harassment complaint, dies 

The 22-year-old student had attempted self-immolation after no action was taken despite her repeated complaints against a professor.

"Despite adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management, including renal replacement therapy at Burns ICU, she could not be revived and was declared clinically dead at 11:46 pm on 14/05/25," the AIIMS Bhubaneswar said in a statement as quoted by NDTV.

She had lodged a written complaint on 1 July with the college’s Internal Complaints Committee, accusing HOD Samir Kumar Sahu of soliciting “favours” and threatening to derail her future if she refused, according to an NDTV report.

Also Read: Female student sets herself on fire over sexual harassment by teacher in Odisha's Balasore

According to college sources, she was told that action would follow within seven days, but no decision had been communicated.

On Saturday, the student joined classmates in a protest outside the college gate.

Witnesses say she suddenly broke away, doused herself with petrol near the principal’s office and ignited it, the report said.

The state’s higher education department has suspended both Sahu and principal Dilip Ghosh, while police have arrested the HOD.

“Strict action will be taken against them,” said the state’s higher education minister Suryabanshi Suraj, according to the report.

Ghosh confirmed the complaint had been filed.

“The student met me in my office today and stated that she was facing extreme mental pressure. She asked me to call Sahu to the office, which I did,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

“I informed both the student and the teacher of the consequences if any of their statements were found to be false. Sahu denied the allegations and the woman also stood firm,” he added.

Protests intensified after the immolation attempt.

Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said the accused teacher has been arrested. “Several teams are collecting evidence. Whoever is found to be at fault will be held accountable,” he said as quoted by NDTV.