Bhubaneswar, July 14: The self-immolation attempt by a female student in Balasore has sparked renewed scrutiny of how the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government addressed cases of violence against women in Odisha.

The incident, involving a 20-year-old B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, has led to widespread protests and political backlash, with critics drawing parallels to past cases where justice was allegedly delayed or denied.

The student, who suffered 95% burns and remains in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, had reportedly faced sexual harassment from a faculty member. Her repeated complaints were allegedly ignored by the college administration, prompting her desperate act.

The current BJP government responded swiftly, arresting the accused HoD and Principal of FM College, while forming a high-level inquiry committee.

However, political activists have pointed to a troubling pattern under the previous BJD government in the state. Cases such as the 2013 Tikiri hostel murder of teacher Itishree Pradhan, the 2018 Kunduli gang-rape and suicide of a minor girl, and the 2020 self-immolation of BJD leader Minakshi Mishra in Berhmapur are being revisited in public discourse. In each instance, families and activists alleged government apathy and lack of timely intervention.

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has called for the Governor’s intervention in the Balasore case, while BJD leaders have joined protests demanding justice. Critics argue that the party’s current stance contrasts sharply with its past record, where many cases failed to see swift action or resolution.

The Balasore tragedy has become a flashpoint for broader conversations on institutional accountability, women’s safety, and the need for systemic reforms in Odisha’s education and law enforcement sectors.

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