Bhubaneswar, 13 July (H.S.): In the wake of the shocking self-immolation attempt by a girl student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, suspended principal Dillip Kumar Ghosh has requested personal protection, citing safety concerns due to rising public anger and student protests.

The incident, which occurred on campus on Saturday, led to immediate action by the Odisha Higher Education Department. Ghosh was suspended from his post, while Sameer Kumar Sahoo, Head of the Department of Education and the primary accused in the harassment case, was arrested by Balasore Police based on the student's allegations.

Speaking to the media, Ghosh confirmed that he has submitted a formal request for security to the Balasore District Collector. “I wrote to the Collector this morning requesting security arrangements for me and my family’s safety. The investigation is ongoing, and I am fully cooperating with the authorities. However, the intense media focus and mounting protests from students have made it necessary to take safety precautions,” he said.

Ghosh has refuted all allegations against him and maintained that he had no role in the alleged harassment. The Odisha government has launched a high-level inquiry into the incident, and a three-member probe team is set to visit the college campus to gather evidence and statements from students and staff.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda