Odisha CM Announces Rs 20 Lakh for Family of Student Who Died in Shocking Self-Immolation Protest

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a Rs 20 lakh ex gratia payment for the kin of a second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who tragically died after setting herself on fire. The student’s drastic act was in protest of alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a professor. She succumbed to 95% burn injuries at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on Monday night after a three-day battle.

Majhi ordered a thorough investigation, vowing that all guilty parties would face strict punishment under the law, as stated by the Chief Minister’s Office. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati expressed profound grief, calling the incident a “stark reminder” to ensure campus safety. In a post on X, he assured that “the law will take its toughest course” and extended condolences to the grieving family.

The incident, which occurred on the college campus in Balasore last Saturday, has led to the arrest of the college principal and the Head of the Education Department. The case has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting the need for swift action against harassment and better protection for students.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Calls Odisha Student’s Death ‘Organised Murder’ by BJP System

Also Read: Odisha Student’s Tragic Death After Self-Immolation Sparks Outrage