Odisha Crime Branch Arrests Two in Self-Immolation Case

Two suspects have been arrested by the Odisha Crime Branch in connection with the tragic self-immolation case of a 20-year-old female college student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore district. The young woman had set herself on fire on July 12 after her complaints of sexual harassment against a senior faculty member went unaddressed by the college authorities despite repeated protests. She later died from severe burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, sparking widespread public outrage and demands for justice.

The Crime Branch detained the two accused, identified as Jyoti Prakash Biswal, a student from the same college who had initially been seen as attempting to rescue her but was later found to have possibly instigated or abetted the act, and Subhra Sambit Nayak, a student leader currently serving as the state joint secretary of a student organization. Both have been charged with abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy based on preliminary investigations that revealed their alleged role in emotionally pressuring or provoking the victim during her vulnerable state. Disturbingly, evidence also suggests that videos of the incident were recorded by some individuals present, rather than intervening to prevent the tragedy.

The incident exposed serious lapses by the college’s internal inquiry into the harassment complaint, which the victim described as invalidating her allegations. This failure to act leaves a glaring question about institutional responsibility and protection for vulnerable students. Earlier, the assistant professor accused by the victim, along with the former principal of the institute, had already been arrested for abetment to suicide.

The arrest of the two students reflects a shift in the investigation as initial public sympathy towards Jyoti Prakash Biswal as a rescuer has complicated into allegations of complicity. Authorities continue to examine digital evidence, such as video recordings and communications, to gather more facts. Both accused have been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days as the probe unfolds.

From a wider perspective, this case underscores the critical need for timely and transparent responses to harassment complaints within educational institutions, ensuring victims’ safety and confidence in the system. It also highlights the devastating impact of emotional abuse and peer dynamics that can exacerbate mental health crises among students. The public and media reactions reflect a strong demand for accountability, deeper investigation, and reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.

However, at this stage, it is important to maintain a neutral stance, as investigations are ongoing and legal processes will determine the ultimate responsibility of all involved parties. The Crime Branch has hinted that more arrests or leads may emerge as they continue to explore what led to the fatal self-immolation.

This unfortunate incident calls for a collective reflection on how educational institutions, student bodies, and authorities respond to serious complaints and mental health challenges, aiming to build an environment where students feel safe and supported rather than driven to despair.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies