Balasore, Jul 18: A four-member fact-finding committee from the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Friday arrived at Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent self-immolation of a female student.

The panel is led by Prof Raj Kumar Mittal, UGC member and professor at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. The other members include Prof Sushma Yadav (former UGC Commission member), Dr Niraja Gupta (Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat University), and Dr Ashima Mangla, Joint Secretary of the UGC.

The committee will conduct an on-site assessment to evaluate the college’s compliance with UGC regulations, particularly those related to sexual harassment prevention, grievance redressal mechanisms, and student support systems. They are expected to interact with students, faculty, and staff to understand the institutional culture and identify gaps in safety protocols.

The UGC has directed the team to submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations within seven days. The investigation follows allegations that the student’s complaints of harassment were ignored by college authorities, leading to her tragic death.

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