Bhubaneswar, 13 July (H.S.): The student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore, who attempted self-immolation following alleged harassment, remains in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. She is currently on ventilator support in the ICU of the hospital’s special burn unit after sustaining 90-95% burn injuries.

According to AIIMS Director Prof. Ashutosh Biswas, the student's condition is extremely critical. “She has been put on ventilator support in a specially equipped ICU. A multidisciplinary team of 12 doctors is closely monitoring her. Her kidneys have been affected due to the severity of the burns. We are providing the best possible care and will reassess her condition after 24 to 48 hours. Only after stabilization can airlifting be considered,” he said.

Prof. Biswas also confirmed ongoing communication with the state government regarding the girl's health status.

In line with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s directive, preparations were made for the possible airlift of the victim to a more advanced medical facility. However, AIIMS doctors have advised against it at this stage due to the girl's fragile condition. Government Chief Whip Saroj Pradhan affirmed the state government’s commitment to providing all necessary medical support and reiterated its readiness to airlift the patient as soon as her condition permits.

Meanwhile, the government has ordered a three-member investigation team to visit Fakir Mohan College to look into the alleged harassment incident. Assistant Professor Samir Sahu, Head of the Department of Education Studies, has been arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police and suspended from duty. The college principal, Dillip Kumar Ghosh, has also been suspended for alleged dereliction of responsibility and has been directed to remain at the office of the Balasore District Collector without leaving station limits without prior permission.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda