BJP MP Pratap Sarangi met with the family of Soumyashri, a Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student who tragically died after setting herself ablaze on campus, allegedly due to prolonged sexual harassment by a professor. Sarangi handed over a cheque for ₹20 lakh as compensation, announced by the state government, to the family.
Investigation Update:
The Crime Branch has taken over the investigation, with a team visiting the FM College campus to gather evidence. IGS S. Saini and the investigating officer are leading the probe.
Fakir Mohan Autonomous College's Head of Department Samir Kumar Sahu and Principal Dilip Ghosh have been arrested in connection with the case.
The state government announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh for the deceased student's family.
The Balasore Red Cross also provided a grant of ₹25,000 to the family.
The Congress party called for a statewide shutdown in Odisha to protest the incident, which saw significant disruptions.
Opposition parties, including Congress and CPI(M), have criticized the state government for failing to ensure justice and women's safety.