New Delhi: In response to the tragic death of a 20-year-old college student from Fakir Mohan College, Balasore, Odisha—who died from severe burn injuries after allegedly being denied justice in a sexual harassment case—the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has strongly condemned the incident and called for urgent institutional reforms.
Ms. Rahamathunnisa A, National Secretary of JIH, expressed deep anguish over the case, terming it not just an administrative lapse but a sign of a deeper moral collapse in society and its institutions.
“This is not just a case of administrative failure but the moral collapse of our institutions, and we condemn it in the strongest terms,” she said in a press statement. “When a young woman is driven to such a painful end after repeatedly pleading for help, it is the system that is guilty. It dismally failed in its duty to protect and support victims.”
Ms. Rahamathunnisa emphasized that justice for the victim and accountability for the guilty—regardless of their position or social status—must be the foundation of an egalitarian society. “We strongly believe in the sanctity of human dignity and justice,” she added.
Laying out JIH’s demands in light of the incident, she called for:
- An independent judicial inquiry into the student’s death.
- Immediate resignation of officials responsible for institutional failure.
- Implementation of stronger, transparent, and accountable mechanisms in educational institutions to combat sexual harassment.
She also urged the public to rise in solidarity with victims and take proactive steps to ensure safety, dignity, and justice for women and girls across India.
“We must rethink our approach towards the menace of sexual harassment and sexual crimes against women,” she said. “Strict laws must go hand in hand with the moral reformation of society.”
