Odisha horror: Balasore college principal arrested after student attempts self-immolation; 'tormentor' HoD was held earlier over sexual harassment claims

NEW DELHI: The suspended Principal of Balasore College was arrested after a girl attempted self-immolation at the institution. Earlier, the girl’s tormentor, the HOD, was arrested.

The 20-year-old girl set herself ablaze near the main gate of the college during a peaceful protest that was going on since July 1, demanding action against the head of the education department (HoD). Students and friends of the girl claimed she had previously filed complaints accusing the HoD of mental harassment, misbehaviour and threats to manipulate her academic performance by lowering her internal marks unless she gave in to his sexual demands.

The Odisha Higher Education Department established a committee to investigate harassment allegations against Samira Kumar Sahu, an assistant professor at a college, following a student's self-immolation attempt.

The Higher Education Department subsequently suspended both the Assistant Professor and the Principal following the incident.

Also read: Student sets self ablaze after HoD’s sexual harassment; says he threatened to lower marks if she didn’t give in; in critical condition

The victim remains in critical condition and was on a mechanical ventilator at AIIMS Bhubaneshwar, according to Dr Sanjay Giri, Head of Department of Burns, on Monday. Dr Giri told ANI, "The patient is critical and is on life support and mechanical ventilator. We have checked her parameters, and we will continue the same treatment."

Dr Dillip Kumar Parida, Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Bhubaneshwar, also spoke to ANI, saying, "The patient is still critical. Today, the patient has a temperature of approximately 102 degrees. The team has consulted AIIMS Delhi, they have advised sending a culture sensitivity report and continuing the current treatment. The patient is critical and stable."

Earlier, the victim's father had said that she was suffering from 95 percent burns.

Also read: Odisha govt to bear medical expenses; state minister assures strict action