In a shocking development from Odisha, the police have arrested the state joint secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Subhat Sandeep Nayak, along with another individual, in connection with the tragic self-immolation of a 20-year-old college student, reported the India Today.
The student, a resident of Balasore, set herself on fire on July 13 outside the principal’s office at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College after her sexual harassment complaint was allegedly dismissed by the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). She succumbed to her injuries two days later, sparking widespread protests and public outrage across the state.
According to the police, the young woman had accused the college’s Head of Department, Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, of persistently demanding sexual favors and threatening her. She had formally informed Principal Dillip Goshe, but her complaint was reportedly invalidated by the ICC, leading to immense psychological trauma.
Tragically, it was immediately after being told that her complaint was not accepted that she took the extreme step. Eyewitnesses confirmed the presence of ABVP leader Subhat Sandeep Nayak and Jyoti Prakash Biswal at the scene when the student set herself ablaze.
Sources close to the investigation alleged that the student was pressured to withdraw her complaint, and her family has stated in the FIR that the Principal warned her she could be driven to suicide if she persisted in seeking justice.
Both the principal and the accused HOD have since been suspended and arrested. They now face serious legal charges related to abetment of suicide, negligence, and abuse of authority. The incident has reignited concerns over the safety and dignity of female students in higher educational institutions and the role of student political outfits in intimidating victims.
Women’s rights activists and student groups have demanded swift justice, institutional reforms, and an independent investigation into the role of ABVP and college authorities in the case.
