Student Sets Herself on Fire Over Alleged Sexual Harassment by Professor

A 25-year-old student from a government college in Balasore, Odisha, set herself on fire after being allegedly harassed by her professor. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the handling of complaints of sexual harassment on campus. The student, who sustained over 90% burn injuries, is in critical condition at a hospital.

Key Takeaways:

• The suspended principal of the college has been arrested on charges of abetment to suicide, while the accused assistant professor was arrested under charges of abetment of suicide, criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, stalking, and insulting the modesty of a woman.
• The student had submitted a complaint to the university authorities on July 1, alleging that she was subjected to mental harassment and threatened with failure in subjects and repetition of a year.
• The student's father alleged that the principal pressured her to withdraw her complaint instead of taking action against the accused professor.
• The student was allegedly harassed by the professor after she refused his demand for sexual favors.
• The state government suspended the principal for failing to perform his duties, and the institute authorities are also facing criticism for their handling of the complaint.
• Education officials confirm that the student had written to the institute authorities, but no concrete action was taken to protect her.
• The Chief Minister visited the hospital on Sunday to meet the student and her family.

Statistics:

• The student sustained over 90% burn injuries in the incident.
• The student's condition remains critical at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, where an expert team is monitoring her condition round the clock.
• The state government suspended the principal on Saturday, and the accused professor was arrested on the same day.

Sources:

• The Indian Express
• Contify.com
• Odisha Police.statements
• State Government Suspension Order