Bhubaneswar College Student Battles for Life After Alleged Harassment by Teacher Sparks Self-Immolation

Bhubaneswar, Odisha – A heartbreaking incident has rocked the city of Bhubaneswar, where a young college student is now fighting for her life after allegedly setting herself on fire in a desperate act following prolonged harassment by a teacher.

The 20-year-old, a bright and ambitious student at a private degree college in Bhubaneswar, reportedly took the extreme step after facing repeated mental and emotional torment. According to initial reports from family and local sources, the girl had been struggling in silence for months, trying to cope with alleged verbal abuse and targeted harassment from a faculty member.

On the day of the incident, neighbors were jolted by sudden screams and saw thick smoke billowing from the house. The girl, engulfed in flames, was rescued by family members and rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Doctors have confirmed that she has suffered over 80% burns and remains in a very fragile state.

The Silent Battle Before the Fire

Close relatives of the student revealed that she had been noticeably withdrawn in recent weeks. “She stopped laughing, stopped talking much. Something was bothering her deeply, but she wouldn’t say,” her cousin said, fighting back tears. It was only after the tragedy unfolded that her family pieced together the possible trigger — a teacher who allegedly humiliated her repeatedly in class, questioned her character, and made life difficult for her academically.

“She was once so full of life. This wasn’t a girl who gave up easily. Something must have pushed her beyond her limit,” said her mother, sitting outside the ICU.

Institutional Apathy or Individual Cruelty?

Students from the college have started opening up, claiming this wasn’t the first time complaints were made against the same faculty member. “Many of us have felt uncomfortable around him. He often singles out students, especially girls, for unnecessary remarks,” one classmate shared anonymously. Some even allege that complaints had been brushed aside or ignored by the college administration in the past.

The institution, on its part, has remained largely tight-lipped, offering a brief statement expressing concern over the student’s condition and assuring that an internal inquiry will be conducted.

Police Investigation Underway

The local police have taken cognizance of the matter and begun an investigation. A case has been registered under sections related to abetment of suicide and criminal intimidation. Officers have also recorded statements from the girl’s family and friends. The accused teacher is reportedly being questioned.

“We are treating this case with utmost seriousness. If the allegations are proven, strict legal action will follow,” said a senior police official involved in the probe.

A Larger Conversation About Mental Health and Power Abuse

This tragic case has reignited urgent conversations around mental health among students and the unchecked power dynamic that exists in many educational institutions. The emotional wellbeing of young adults is often overlooked, and the stigma surrounding harassment — especially from authority figures — continues to silence many victims.

Activists and counselors have called for more accountability within academic spaces. “We can’t just express shock every time something like this happens. Colleges must have functioning grievance redressal systems, and more importantly, students should feel safe using them,” said a mental health advocate based in Bhubaneswar.

Prayers and Protests

As the girl clings to life, social media is beginning to buzz with calls for justice. Hashtags like #JusticeForStudent and #StopHarassmentInColleges are beginning to trend locally. Several student groups are planning to organize peaceful protests outside the college and demand immediate action not just against the accused teacher, but also against any staff who may have ignored earlier warnings.

A Family Left in Ruins

At the center of this storm is a family shattered by what has happened to their daughter. “We didn’t know she was suffering so much. She was our pride, our only child. Now we just want her to live. Please pray for her,” her father said, his voice trembling.

This incident serves as a grim reminder that harassment in any form — especially in environments meant to nurture young minds — can have devastating consequences. It’s a wake-up call for institutions, educators, and society at large to listen more, protect better, and act faster — before another young life is pushed to the edge.