A 20-year-old B.Ed. student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, who attempted self-immolation after allegedly enduring prolonged sexual harassment, died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday night.

The student reportedly set herself ablaze on campus after repeated complaints against the Head of the Integrated B.Ed. Department, Sameer Kumar Sahoo, went unaddressed by the college principal and authorities. She had sustained 90 percent burns and had been on life support since the incident.

Despite receiving intensive care, including mechanical ventilation, antibiotics, IV support, and renal therapy, she succumbed to her injuries at 11:46 PM on July 14, AIIMS officials confirmed.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged strict action. “Despite the government's full efforts and the tireless care by medical experts, the victim’s life could not be saved,” he said in a statement on X. He assured the family of full support and justice, adding, “All those found guilty will face the strictest punishment under the law.”

According to fellow students, the victim had been mentally distressed for weeks due to alleged repeated harassment by Sahoo, who they claim made inappropriate demands and threatened academic retaliation. Batchmates said she submitted formal complaints to both the college principal and the local police, but no meaningful action followed. Though an internal committee was formed, students said its progress was negligible.

She reportedly set herself on fire shortly after a meeting with the college principal on Saturday. Her father blamed the principal for ignoring her cries for help, while her mother demanded capital punishment for those responsible.

In the wake of the incident, college principal Dillip Kumar Ghosh was arrested and remanded to 14-day judicial custody. Public outrage has continued to mount, with opposition parties holding protests in Bhubaneswar and Balasore, accusing the ruling BJP of failing to protect women in the state.