Student immolates herself over sexual harassment

Victim battles for life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 90% burns Principal suspended Teacher held

- POST NEWS NETWORK

A female student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) college, in Balasore district, who had lodged a sexual harassment complaint against a teacher, allegedly set herself on fire in the college campus Saturday, sustaining 90 per cent burns, police said.

The victim is a second year student of Integrated BEd course. A male student, who attempted to save her, also sustained burns and both were rushed to the DHH here.

The incident occurred when the students were staging a sit-in over the issue on the college premises. The Principal called the victim into his office and held discussions with her. However, she poured petrol on her and set her ablaze after returning.

The injured male student was identified as Jyoti Prakash Biswal, a Plus III second year student. He has sustained burn injuries on his face and hands. The incident sparked tension in the college premises as police force was deployed to maintain law and order.