'She Wanted Justice': Silence, Fear Grip Balasore's FM College After Student's Self-Immolation
Outside the college gates, posters demanding justice for her and candlelight tributes reflect the anguish engulfing the campus.
Named after the renowned Odia social reformer Fakir Mohan Senapati, Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College is considered one of the premier educational institutions in North Odisha. Established in 1944, it was among the only seven colleges set up during British Odisha and remains a landmark of Balasore with deep historical significance.
Today, however, the institution's reputation lies shattered. A 20-year-old girl died, days after she set herself on fire after allegedly being cornered and denied justice. Outside the college gates, posters demanding justice for her and candlelight tributes reflect the anguish engulfing the campus. Inside, a heavy police presence and an eerie silence indicate that something deeply troubling occurred within these walls, pushing her to take such an extreme step.
Guards stood quietly at their posts. When approached by this reporter, one guard said, 'She was a good girl, very helpful. But we don't know anything. We can't say anything."
The spot where she attempted self-immolation was right in front of the Principal's office. Faculty members and students nearby were reluctant to speak, adding to the unsettling silence.
Dilip Kumar, a faculty member passing by, stopped and spoke to News18. 'No one could ever imagine that a student would take such a step. This has never happened in our college's history. We are stunned. Now we are hearing that the Principal delayed the enquiry report despite serious allegations. That day, she demanded justice. She wanted a solution – an immediate solution. We are shell-shocked. Admissions and all academic activities have come to a halt. We don't know who is protecting whom."
A sense of fear looms large on campus. Fear of whom or what remains unclear. But one thing is evident – this young woman felt completely cornered. She was an active student leader of ABVP. ABVP leaders told News18 that they had taken up her case but claimed the Principal was adamant about shielding the accused professor.
'She wanted justice, but she felt cornered. That is why she took this drastic step," said a person who knew her, adding that the Principal's behaviour further shattered her confidence.
Candlelight marches have begun in Balasore demanding justice for her. But the question remains – will she get it?
About the Author
Kamalika Sengupta
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar...Read More
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