Another Odisha Student’s Suicide Exposes Blackmail Crisis
The incident marks the third case of a woman dying from burn injuries in Odisha since July 12
A 20-year-old female college student in Odisha’s Kendrapara district died after allegedly setting herself on fire at her home in Kathiapada village on Wednesday morning, reportedly driven to the act by relentless blackmail from her ex-boyfriend. The incident, under Pattamundai (Rural) police station, marks the third case of a woman dying from burn injuries in Odisha since July 12, raising alarm over harassment and institutional inaction.
The victim’s father told police that his daughter, a final-year student, poured kerosene over herself and ignited it while alone at home. He alleged she was in a relationship that had ended, but her ex-boyfriend continued to harass and blackmail her with explicit photos, even threatening to kill her by setting her ablaze. “Six months ago, she filed a complaint with the police, but they only told her to block his number,” he claimed, highlighting a lack of action.
Kendrapara SP Siddharth Kataria, who inspected the scene, confirmed the father’s claim of suicide and assured a thorough investigation. “We will probe all aspects, including the blackmail allegations,” he said. The police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are examining call records and digital evidence to trace the accused, whose identity remains undisclosed.
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This tragedy follows two other recent burn-related deaths in Odisha. On July 12, a 20-year-old B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore self-immolated on campus, protesting inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu. The National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women have taken cognizance, with Odisha’s Crime Branch investigating.
On August 2, a 15-year-old girl from Puri’s Balanga area died of burn injuries under mysterious circumstances, with police yet to determine if it was suicide or foul play. These incidents have sparked statewide protests, with opposition parties BJD and Congress slamming the BJP-led government for failing to ensure women’s safety. Former CM Naveen Patnaik called the Balasore case a “denial of justice,” while Congress demanded the resignation of Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
The Supreme Court, addressing the Balasore case on July 22, labeled it a “shame” and sought guidelines to empower vulnerable women, criticizing systemic failures. Activists point to a pattern of ignored complaints, with victims often facing retaliation or apathy. In Kendrapara, locals expressed fury over the police’s alleged inaction, with one resident stating, “If they had acted on her complaint, she might be alive today.”
Odisha’s government has responded with promises of stricter measures. CM Mohan Charan Majhi, who visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar after the Balasore incident, vowed to enhance women’s safety protocols. A high-level inquiry into the Balasore case continues, and the Kendrapara police have formed a special team to investigate. As public outrage grows, these tragedies underscore the urgent need for robust mechanisms to address harassment and ensure swift justice, with the state under pressure to prevent further loss of life.
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