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Key Points

The Odisha government has pledged to cover all medical expenses for a college student who attempted self-immolation over alleged harassment. A high-level committee is investigating the incident, with the accused teacher already arrested. The state education minister assured strict action, including suspensions of college officials. Authorities are prioritizing the student’s recovery while ensuring accountability.

Key Points: Odisha Govt Covers Medical Costs for Student Who Attempted Self-Immolation

  • Odisha govt to cover all medical expenses for the student
  • High-level committee formed to probe harassment allegations
  • Accused teacher arrested, HoD and principal suspended
  • Balasore Police confirm prima facie evidence against accused
3 min read

Odisha govt to bear medical expenses of college student who attempted self-immolation; Minister assures strict action

Odisha Education Minister assures full medical expense coverage and strict action after a student's self-immolation protest over alleged harassment.

"The government will bear the entire expense. We are closely looking at how the girl’s health can be improved. – Suryabanshi Suraj"

Bhubaneshwar, July 13

Odisha Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Sunday said that the state government will bear the entire cost of medical treatment of the Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College student who attempted self-immolation in protest against alleged sexual harassment by an assistant professor.

Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who visited AIIMS to meet with the victim, said that a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident. He assured that strict action would be taken based on the committee's findings.

"A high-level committee has been formed to investigate this incident. Today, the team has left Bhubaneswar for an investigation, and strict action will be taken based on the findings of that team. I went to AIIMS. I am going to AIIMS today also. We are closely looking at how the girl's health can be improved, and how she can recover. The government will bear the entire expense. And today, the Health Minister is also going with us. We will also talk to her parents today," he said.

Calling the incident "unfortunate", the minister said that the Head of the Department (HoD) and the Principal of FM Autonomous College in Balasore have been suspended, while the accused teacher has been arrested and is in police custody.

"This is a very unfortunate case, and we are dealing with it in a very sensitive manner. First of all, the head of the department and the principal have been suspended, and the accused has been taken into police custody," he added.

The Odisha Higher Education Department had on Saturday formed a committee to thoroughly investigate the harassment allegations against Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor at FM Autonomous College. This came after the self-immolation attempt by a female student of the institution.

The Balasore Police have arrested the accused and confirmed that prima facie evidence has been found linking him to the case. "In the case of a female student who attempted self-immolation, prima facie evidence has been established against a teacher. He has been arrested and forwarded to the court. This student had lodged a complaint with the Internal Compliance Committee on 30th June," Balasore SP Raj Prasad said.

"We are enquiring about the findings of their report. Whoever is found guilty, accountability will be fixed for them," he added.

The Higher Education Department on Saturday suspended both the Assistant Professor and the Principal of FM Autonomous College following the incident.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an Odia, I'm proud of our government's swift action. The minister visiting personally shows concern. But we must ensure such incidents never happen again. Strict punishment for the accused and reforms in college grievance systems are must!
A
Aman W
Why are we only reacting after tragedies occur? Every college must have functional ICC committees that actually work. My sister faced similar harassment last year and nothing happened despite complaints. System needs complete overhaul.
S
Sarah B
The courage of this young woman is unimaginable. I hope she recovers fully - both physically and mentally. The government bearing medical expenses is good, but they should also provide long-term counseling support. Trauma like this doesn't heal quickly.
K
Karthik V
Suspending HoD and principal is right decision. They failed in their duty. But will the action stop there? Need to check if other students faced similar issues. This might be tip of iceberg. #MakeCampusesSafe
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Nisha Z
While I appreciate the government's response, I'm concerned about the mental health aspect. Why did the student feel this was her only option? We need better counseling services in colleges and more awareness about legal options available.

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