An ABVP member, a self-defence teacher to women in her college, a student who sought to find the balance between studies and extracurricular activities – the woman who died after setting herself on fire at a university in Odisha’s Balasore dreamt big for the future, her family and friends said.
The student had complained to her institute on July 1, alleging that she was being subjected to mental harassment by an assistant professor ever since she rejected his advances. She had also filed a police complaint in this regard. The accused professor and the college principal were suspended and arrested after she set herself on fire on the campus on Saturday.
According to students, teachers and officers probing the case, the accused professor had on more than one occasion allegedly made her stand outside the classroom and threatened to fail her in some subjects.
“He would also call her father to complain about her activities,” said a close friend.
Her mother became aware of the issues on June 30, when the accused professor allegedly stopped her from taking an exam. “She was told it was because her attendance was short. She cried and stood outside the hall for around an hour,” her mother said, alleging that after she submitted a complaint to the principal, she was “pressured” to withdraw it.
It is learnt that college authorities looking into the complaint suggested that the professor be replaced as head of the department and took note of his “rude” behaviour towards the woman. It is learnt that as many as 60 students had been asked about his conduct.
The woman died in AIIMS Bhubaneswar late Monday night of burn injuries. Thousands attended her funeral on Tuesday.
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“Despite adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management, including renal replacement therapy at Burns ICU, she could not be revived and was declared clinically dead at 11:46 pm,” said a statement issued by AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.
Hundreds, including top district officials and local leaders, gathered at her native village for the rites. Later, her father said he would continue to fight till justice is delivered.
