Protests Erupt Following Tragic Death of Student at AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Tensions escalated outside the AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Tuesday morning as Congress workers staged a protest following the death of a 20-year-old student from Balasore who had attempted self-immolation. The protest led to the detention of several Congress workers by the police.
Earlier on Monday, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar confirmed the death of the 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha’s Balasore. According to the Department of Burn Centre at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the patient was brought to the casualty on July 12 and referred from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
The statement from the department detailed the medical efforts made to save the student: “She was admitted to the Burns Centre ICU. The patient was resuscitated with IV fluids, IV antibiotics, intubated and put on mechanical ventilation. Despite adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management, including renal replacement therapy at the Burns ICU, she could not be revived and was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.”
The tragic incident occurred after the student allegedly faced prolonged sexual harassment by her college’s Head of Department. Despite lodging a formal complaint and seeking help from the principal, her pleas were ignored, leading to the heartbreaking act of self-immolation. The incident took place at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College.
Government Response and Public Outcry
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured the family of the deceased that those responsible would face the strictest punishment under the law. In a post on X, the Chief Minister stated:
“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of the female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite the government’s fulfilment of all responsibilities and the tireless efforts of the expert medical team, the victim’s life could not be saved. I pray for the eternal peace of her departed soul and beseech Lord Jagannath to grant strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss.”
He further emphasized, “I assure the family of the deceased student that all those guilty in this case will face the strictest punishment as per the law. For this, I have personally issued instructions to the authorities. The government stands firmly with the family.”
Calls for Justice and Institutional Accountability
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with many demanding justice for the young woman and stronger measures to address sexual harassment in educational institutions. Activists and local leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the allegations and for stricter enforcement of anti-harassment policies within colleges and universities.
Several organizations have also urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students, particularly women, in academic settings. They have emphasized the need for better support systems, including counseling services and more transparent reporting mechanisms for incidents of harassment.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Actions
Authorities have begun an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. The police are examining the allegations of sexual harassment and the response from the college administration. It is expected that the investigation will involve interviews with staff, students, and any witnesses who may have knowledge of the events leading up to the incident.
Legal experts have noted that if the allegations are proven, the accused individuals could face serious charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to sexual harassment and negligence. The government has also been urged to implement long-term reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
Community and Educational Reactions
Local communities have come together to mourn the loss of the young student, with many organizing vigils and memorials in her honor. Students and faculty members at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College have also expressed their grief and demanded accountability from the institution.
Educational institutions across Odisha have been urged to review their policies and procedures for handling cases of harassment and to create safer environments for students. There is a growing consensus that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that their voices are heard and acted upon.
As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on providing justice for the victim and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The incident has served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change and greater awareness around issues of gender-based violence in educational settings.
