BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi has denied allegations of exerting pressure on a student who died by self-immolation after allegedly facing sexual harassment at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. Sarangi has challenged the opposition to file an FIR against him or demand a CBI inquiry, stating that he will retire from politics if proven guilty.
According to sources, opposition parties have accused Sarangi of pressuring the student and obstructing justice. The MP claims he had spoken to the college principal and the SP regarding the student's complaint, but the student didn't provide any information about sexual harassment.
The Crime Branch has discovered CCTV footage of a woman buying petrol near the college, which is undergoing forensic analysis.
Sarangi met the student on July 2 at the Balasore Circuit House, where the student complained about being asked for a fee by HOD Sameer Sahu and intentional insult due to poor attendance.
Sarangi advised the student to file a complaint at the police station, but the student mentioned the principal was understanding and the college had taken 7 days to address the issue.
Sarangi has offered to cooperate with any investigating agency, including the CBI, to prove his innocence.
The incident has sparked a political firestorm, with opposition parties demanding accountability and justice for the student.