Odisha, July 14,2025
In a shocking development from Balasore, Odisha, the principal of Fakir Mohan College, Dilip Kumar Ghosh, has been arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police following a student’s suicide attempt on campus.
The arrest comes after a female student of the college allegedly attempted suicide on Saturday, accusing a faculty member of sexual harassment. The student is currently in critical condition and receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Confirming the arrest, Balasore Superintendent of Police, Raj Prasad, told BBC that the principal was taken into custody for his alleged negligence in handling the student’s repeated complaints.
According to the victim’s family, the girl had been subjected to ongoing sexual harassment for several months. Despite lodging a formal complaint with the college authorities, no meaningful action was taken. Frustrated and distressed by the college’s inaction, the student reportedly attempted to take her own life.
The family had been demanding the arrest of the principal, alleging that he failed to take timely and appropriate action. They also accused the college’s internal inquiry committee of trying to protect the accused teacher, instead of supporting the victim.
Earlier, the police had arrested the Head of the Department (HoD) of the Education Department, Sameer Kumar Sahu, who is the prime accused in the sexual harassment case.
On Sunday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressed the issue, stating,
“An investigation is underway to understand the full circumstances of the incident. The government will ensure strict action is taken against those responsible.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of sexual harassment protocols within educational institutions.
