Bhubaneswar, Jul 13: In a heart-wrenching statement to media on July 2, the female student from Fakir Mohan College, Balasore, who attempted self-immolation, revealed a disturbing pattern of harassment and institutional negligence.

Her account sheds light on the mental trauma she endured for over six months at the hands of Samir Kumar Sahoo, Head of the Integrated B.Ed. Department.

The victim recounted that her troubles began after a casual conversation with the accused near the college field months ago. Initially seeking academic guidance, she was allegedly asked for personal favours in return.

When she refused, the harassment escalated. She was denied exam access citing attendance issues, despite prior intimation about her absence due to family emergencies and college duties.

“I was insulted in class, made to stand for 40 minutes for being four minutes late, and repeatedly threatened with academic failure,” she said. The accused allegedly called her father with false claims, further worsening her mental health. “I even attempted suicide once before,” she admitted.

The victim had submitted written complaints to the Principal and Internal Committee. “Although I hadn’t filed an FIR, but I had informed the Balasore SP about the situation,” she had revealed.

A day after her complaint to the Principal, the accused and his supporters submitted a counter-complaint against her, signed by students who, she had claimed, were unaware of the truth.

“I waited outside his (the accused) office for hours, but he refused to meet me. That’s when I confided in friends and decided to speak out,” she said. Her plea is simple yet powerful: “I only demand justice, so that no one has to face such situations.”

The Odisha government has since suspended and arrested the accused, while the college principal has also been suspended. A high-level inquiry has been initiated. The victim remains in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

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