Tragedy at Fakir Mohan College: Student’s Self-Immolation Sparks Outrage Over Harassment Allegations

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, a young woman attempted self-immolation in the crowded campus of Fakir Mohan College, Baleshwar, Odisha. The incident, captured on CCTV and widely circulated on social media, has reignited the debate over student safety, institutional accountability, and the handling of harassment complaints in India’s educational institutions.

The Incident: A Campus in Shock

It was an ordinary Saturday afternoon at Fakir Mohan College when a tragedy unfolded that would forever alter the lives of many. Around 1:00 PM, a B.Ed second-year student, whose name is being withheld for privacy, doused herself with kerosene and set herself ablaze in the middle of the college campus. The act was so sudden and shocking that it left students, faculty, and staff in utter disbelief.

As flames engulfed her, a fellow student bravely rushed to her aid, attempting to extinguish the fire but suffering severe burns in the process. Both were immediately rushed to the hospital. While the student who tried to save her is recovering, the young woman’s condition remains critical, with doctors describing her injuries as life-threatening.

The Background: Allegations of Harassment

The roots of this tragic act run deep within the college’s recent history. According to reports and student testimonies, several B.Ed second-year students had recently filed complaints against their Head of Department (HOD), Samir Kumar Sahu. The students accused Sahu of persistent mental harassment and, in at least one case, making inappropriate physical advances.

A group of female students had earlier approached the principal, Mr. Ghosh, with their grievances. They alleged that Sahu’s behavior created a toxic environment in the department, with repeated instances of psychological torment and, disturbingly, at least one allegation of sexual harassment. The students claimed that their complaints had been ignored for months, and no meaningful action was taken by the administration.

The Administration’s Response

Following the initial complaints, the principal stated that he had received a formal grievance against Sahu on June 30th. In response, an Internal Complaints Committee was formed, comprising senior female teachers, student representatives, and external members. The committee was tasked with investigating the allegations and submitting a report within seven days.

Despite the committee’s swift action, some students felt the process was too slow and that immediate action should have been taken to suspend the HOD pending investigation. Tensions on campus escalated, with students staging protests and demanding the police’s intervention.

On the day of the incident, the victim reportedly met the principal, expressing her frustration at the lack of decisive action and her inability to wait any longer for justice. Despite the principal’s attempts to console her, she left his office visibly distraught. Within 20 minutes, news broke that she had attempted to take her own life.

The Aftermath: Administrative Shake-up and Police Action

The horrifying video of the self-immolation attempt quickly went viral on social media, sparking public outrage and media scrutiny. In response, the Odisha government took swift action: Principal Ghosh was immediately suspended for gross negligence, and an official order barred him from leaving the city without permission.

Meanwhile, the police arrested HOD Samir Kumar Sahu, launching a formal investigation into the allegations of harassment and the college administration’s handling of the case. Preliminary inquiries suggest that previous complaints against Sahu had not been acted upon, raising serious questions about the institution’s commitment to student welfare.

A Pattern of Neglect?

This incident is not an isolated case. Across India, students—particularly women—have repeatedly raised concerns about harassment and the lack of effective redressal mechanisms in educational institutions. Despite laws mandating Internal Complaints Committees and strict anti-harassment policies, implementation often falls short, leaving students vulnerable and disillusioned.

Experts point to a culture of silence, victim-blaming, and administrative apathy that discourages students from coming forward. In many cases, complaints are dismissed or delayed, with institutions prioritizing their reputation over student safety. This tragic incident at Fakir Mohan College has once again exposed these systemic failures.

The Human Cost: Voices from the Campus

As news of the incident spread, students on campus expressed a mix of grief, anger, and fear. Many described an environment where complaints are routinely ignored, and those who speak out are often ostracized or threatened.

“She was one of the brightest students in our class,” said a friend of the victim. “We all knew about the harassment, but no one thought it would come to this. The administration could have saved her if they had acted sooner.”

Another student added, “We want justice, not just for her but for all students who have suffered in silence. The authorities must ensure that such incidents never happen again.”

Institutional Accountability: What Needs to Change?

The Fakir Mohan College incident has prompted calls for systemic reforms in how educational institutions handle harassment complaints. Activists and legal experts have outlined several urgent steps:

Immediate Suspension Pending Inquiry: Any staff member accused of serious misconduct should be suspended pending a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of students.
Transparent and Time-Bound Investigations: Internal Complaints Committees must operate transparently, with strict deadlines and regular updates to complainants.
External Oversight: Independent bodies should periodically review the functioning of ICCs to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure accountability.
Student Support Systems: Colleges must provide counseling and support services for victims of harassment and mental health crises.
Zero Tolerance Policy: Institutions should adopt a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, with strict penalties for offenders and enablers.

Government and Public Reaction

The Odisha government’s swift action in suspending the principal and arresting the HOD has been widely welcomed, but many argue that these steps are reactive rather than preventive. Advocacy groups have demanded a statewide audit of harassment complaints and the functioning of redressal mechanisms in all educational institutions.

Social media has erupted with messages of support for the victim and calls for justice. Hashtags like #JusticeForFakirMohanStudent and #EndCampusHarassment have trended nationwide, reflecting the public’s deep frustration with recurring institutional failures.

The Broader Picture: Student Mental Health and Safety

Beyond the immediate legal and administrative issues, this tragedy highlights the urgent need to address student mental health in India. Academic pressure, harassment, and lack of support can drive students to despair, with suicide rates among young people alarmingly high.

Experts urge institutions to prioritize mental health, destigmatize counseling, and create safe spaces for students to seek help without fear of judgment or reprisal.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

The attempted self-immolation at Fakir Mohan College is a grim reminder of the consequences of institutional neglect and the urgent need for reform. As the victim fights for her life, her story has become a rallying cry for students, activists, and citizens demanding safer, more accountable educational environments.

Justice for the victim must go beyond punitive action against individuals; it requires a fundamental shift in how institutions treat complaints, support students, and uphold their duty of care. Only then can we hope to prevent such tragedies from recurring.