Odisha teen who set herself ablaze over ‘harassment’, dies

Rourkela: A 17-year-old college student who attempted self-immolation after alleged harassment by a 25-year-old man, succumbed to her injuries late Sunday night at Ispat General Hospital (IGH).The tragedy sparked outrage with BJD leaders and the victim’s family staging protest outside the hospital on Monday, demanding Rs 50 lakh compensation and justice for the girl. The protest was called following discussion with officials and after Rs 4 lakh compensation was assured from Red Cross.The teenager, a Plus II second-year student, set herself ablaze at her home early on Saturday as she was reportedly being harassed by the accused, a married man who worked as a helper in a bus. She was taken to IGH in critical condition. The man was arrested on Saturday evening following an FIR. Following the girl’s death, the harassment case was converted to abetment to suicide.