Balasore, July 15: The final rites of the 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomus College who attempted self-immolation over alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member and later succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar late last night, were performed in her native village, Palasia in Balasore district.

The final rites, performed amid cries of anguish, were attended by thousands—including her classmates, friends, family members, and prominent leaders such as MP Pratap Sarangi and the local MLA.

The female student’s journey came to a tragic end after she succumbed to severe burn injuries inflicted during a harrowing act of protest against alleged harassment by a faculty member of the FM college. Three days after she was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition—with over 95% burn injuries—the victim breathed her last late Monday night. Despite relentless efforts by a team of specialist doctors and support from medical experts across AIIMS Delhi, her condition deteriorated due to widespread organ failure, hospital bulletin said.

The victim's death prompted an overwhelming outpouring of grief. When her mortal remains arrived at Palasia, the entire village erupted in tears, with mourners lining the streets in a flood of emotion.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep condolences and announced ₹20 lakh financial assistance to the bereaved family from the CM's Relief Fund.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, State’s Congress president Bhakta Charan Das and sever senior leaders extended deep grief to the bereaved family.

President Droupadi Murmu met the parents of the girl student yesterday evening at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and expressed deep concern over the incident.

Activists and citizens have since called for a transparent investigation and stronger safeguards against campus abuse.

The police have so far arrested two persons, a faculty member and the principal of the college, who have also been suspended by the Odisha government in connection with the incident.

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