The state government has taken action after a tragic incident at Fakir Mohan Degree College in Balasore, Odisha. The student studying here had complained to the college administration accusing a senior faculty member of giving him mental harassment. Due to lack of action on that faculty member, the student attempted self -immolation outside the main gate of the college on Saturday afternoon, in which she was severely scorched. He has been admitted to the ICU in AIIMS Bhuvaneshwan.
After this incident, HOD Sameer Sahu of Education Department has been arrested at Fakir Mohan Degree College and Dilip Kumar Ghosh, Principal of FM Autonomas College, Balasore, has been suspended in the case. According to police sources, the student had earlier also protested, accusing HOD Sameer Sahu of the Education Department of constant mental harassment. When his concerns were ignored by the college administration, he took this suicide step.
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The student was immediately rushed to Balasore district headquarters Hospital in a burnt condition, and later sent to AIIMS Bhubaneswar when the condition became critical. Another student trying to save her was also badly burnt. Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryavanshi Suraj confirmed the suspension of both Principal and HOD. He said, ‘The state government has taken the matter seriously. A high -level inquiry has been initiated under the chairmanship of the director of the department, including a joint secretary level female officer and a committee of senior women principal of another college.
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He further assured that strict action will be taken to prevent such incidents in future after the investigation is completed. The Higher Education Minister further said, “I have spoken to the officials of AIIMS Bhubaneswar regarding the treatment of the student and also discussed the matter with the Chief Minister.” Balasore SP Raj Prasad confirmed that HOD Sameer Sahu has been arrested after initial interrogation and sent to court. He said, we have started intensive investigation. A forensic team has been deployed, and the report of the Internal Complaint Committee of the college is also under investigation. The condition of the student remains critical. Many teams have been formed to investigate from every aspect, and we hope that the matter will be settled soon.
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