Bhubaneswar, Jul 15: The tragic death of 20-year-old B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, has sparked widespread grief and political response across Odisha.

The victim succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after allegedly attempting self-immolation due to prolonged harassment by a faculty member.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expresses condolences on the demise of the victim. "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of the female student from FM Autonomous College. Despite the government's fulfillment of all responsibilities and the tireless efforts of the expert medical team, the victim's life could not be saved,” reads a post by CM Majhi on X (formerly Twitter).

“I pray for the eternal peace of her departed soul and beseech Lord Jagannath to grant strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss,” he wrote further, adding: “I assure the family of the deceased student that all those guilty in this case will face the strictest punishment as per the law. For this, I have personally issued instructions to the authorities. The government stands firmly with the family."

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also condoled the demise of the student. “I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear about the passing of the student who was undergoing treatment following the incident at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore,” wrote the Union Minister in a post on X.

“I pray for eternal peace for the departed soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May Lord Jagannath grant them immense strength and courage during this time of sorrow. Om Shanti,” he wrote further.

Deputy CM Pravati Parida wrote, “I am deeply heartbroken to hear about the demise of the student victim from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite the government's full efforts and the tireless dedication of the expert medical team, her life could not be saved. I pray for eternal peace for her departed soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to her family.”

Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj also expressed deep grief over the 20-year-old girl’s demise. “I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear about the demise of the student victim from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite all efforts and prayers, we lost her. In the meantime, the process of awarding the strictest punishment to the culprits under a zero-tolerance policy has begun. We are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future. Even now, what has happened should never have happened. I am at a loss for words to condemn such a tragic event. May the Lord grant strength and courage to the bereaved family.”

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