An undergraduate college student from Odisha’s Sudergarh district died Monday after suffering 90 percent burn injuries . She allegedly set herself on fire on the night of December 5 , following a period of alleged harassment. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced Rs 4 lakh in compensation for her grieving family. Police have since arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the alleged harassment.
Student Dies Despite Treatment Efforts
The young woman succumbed to her extensive injuries on Sunday night . Her death occurred while she was undergoing treatment at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) Rourkela. Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling had visited IGH earlier on Sunday. He directed hospital authorities to airlift the victim to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for more advanced medical care. Despite these urgent directives, the student died before a transfer could be executed. CM Majhi expressed his profound grief over the student’s untimely death during his compensation announcement.
Arrest Made in Harassment Case
Police identified the arrested individual as Nilesh Sahoo , 25. Sahoo allegedly engaged in persistent harassment of the college student. He reportedly issued threats of dire consequences when she continuously refused his romantic overtures. The victim subsequently allegedly set herself ablaze at her home. This tragic incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Rajgangpur police station area . Police apprehended Sahoo on Sunday, initiating further legal proceedings.
Opposition Criticizes Government Inaction
Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and leader of the opposition, issued a strong condemnation of the incident. He publicly criticized the government for its perceived inaction in preventing such violence. In a post on social media platform X, Patnaik claimed that government indifference emboldens criminals. He highlighted reports that the victim’s family had received death threats, which he said underscored the government’s alarming inaction. This tragic event marks the fifth similar death of a woman in Odisha within the last six months. Previous fatalities occurred in Balasore, Puri, Kendrapara, and Bargarh. Patnaik emphasized that the people of Odisha feel unsafe. He urged the government to implement strict measures immediately to restore law and order. He demanded swift and firm action against criminals to ensure justice for victims.
Family and Villagers Demand Justice
Prior to the Chief Minister’s compensation announcement, the victim’s family and local villagers staged a significant protest. They organized a dharna directly on the hospital campus. The protesters demanded adequate and timely compensation from the state government for their loss. The student’s uncle, speaking to local media outlets, described her as a “meritorious student.” He strongly asserted that her family deserved proper financial support and acknowledgment from the government following her death.
Police Investigation Continues
SP Sundargarh Amritpal Kaur confirmed that the police investigation remains active and comprehensive. Officers are meticulously examining all angles surrounding the tragic incident. A specialized forensic team has collected crucial samples from the scene of the self-immolation. These samples will undergo thorough analysis to gather evidence. The woman’s maternal uncle had initially filed the police complaint, which prompted the ongoing investigation.