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Odisha student’s death triggers political storm

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Odisha student’s death triggers political storm

New Delhi, Jul 15: The death of a 20-year-old B.Ed. student in Odisha, who self-immolated after weeks of alleged sexual harassment and administrative inaction, has ignited a fierce political row, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP-led state government of systemic failure and “institutional betrayal.” The ruling party has dismissed the charges as politically motivated.

According to The Times of India, the student succumbed to her burn injuries on Tuesday, three days after she set herself on fire outside Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore. She had earlier accused a senior faculty member, Sameer Kumar Sahoo, of repeated sexual harassment and had filed complaints with both college authorities and local police. However, no substantive action was reportedly taken. In a social media post, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi blamed the ruling BJP for what he described as an “organised murder by the system.”

“That brave student raised her voice against sexual harassment — but instead of delivering justice, she was threatened, tormented, and repeatedly humiliated. Those who were supposed to protect her kept breaking her… This is not suicide; it is an organised murder by the system,” he wrote on X as reported by TOI

Gandhi also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on rising crimes against women as quoted by TOI: “Modi ji, whether it is Odisha or Manipur – the daughters of the nation are burning, breaking, and dying. And you? You remain silent. India’s daughters need safety and justice.”

Echoing similar concerns, BJD supremo and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik issued a strongly worded statement, accusing the BJP government of “planned injustice” and “institutional betrayal.” As quoted by India Today, Patnaik said: “It is even more disturbing to think how a failed system can take someone’s life. She did not lose her life solely due to physical trauma but also because of the negligence of the state government, which left her alone in her struggle.” Patnaik further urged the Odisha Governor to take immediate action against the college authorities and government officials who, he alleged, were complicit through their inaction.

In response, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan came out strongly against the opposition’s remarks, particularly targeting Gandhi. In a statement cited by The Times of India, Pradhan said: “The cheap politics played by Rahul Gandhi and Congress over the tragic incident involving Odisha’s daughter is extremely unfortunate. Turning a serious and sensitive matter into a political weapon reflects Rahul Gandhi’s petty mindset.” Pradhan maintained that the BJP and Prime Minister Modi have consistently prioritised women’s safety, and that the Odisha government is taking the matter seriously: “The strictest action will be taken against the culprits; no one will be spared.”

Regional media reported that the victim had repeatedly approached authorities with complaints, including meeting with the college principal just hours before the self-immolation.

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