BALASORE, ODISHA, INDIA – JULY 12, 2025 20-year-old student (some sources report she was 22) set herself on fire in protest against her university’s inaction over a complaint she filed about sexual harassment by one of her professors.
The student was enrolled in an undergraduate education program at a college in Balasore. She was reportedly subjected to ongoing sexual harassment by one of the faculty members, who had allegedly been intimidating her for months and demanding sexual favors. She resisted his behavior and filed a formal complaint with the university’s internal committee. However, no action was taken.
Fear of the professor’s potential retaliation and a growing sense of helplessness ultimately led her to a desperate act. She doused herself in flammable liquid and set herself on fire in front of the principal’s office. With burns covering over 90% of her body, she was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where doctors performed life-saving procedures, including a kidney transplant. Despite their efforts, she tragically died during the night of July 14.
Aftermath photo
If you’re thinking about suicide, please stop and recognize that your pain is not permanent, but this step would be. It may feel like there’s no other way, but there is hope, even if it’s hard to see right now. Your feelings are temporary, and with help, they can pass.
Talking about what you're going through might feel difficult, but it’s the first step toward healing. Don’t turn away from the people who want to support you. Life can offer more than what you're feeling right now, and the pain doesn't have to last forever. You deserve help, and it’s available.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
If you're thinking about self-harm, please stop and recognize that this won't solve the pain you're feeling. While it might seem like a way to cope, it leaves lasting scars, not just on your body but on your heart as well. There are healthier, safer ways to manage your emotions.
Every wound you inflict is a cry for help. You are not alone. Reaching out to someone you trust can be the first step toward finding a way out of this dark place. You deserve kindness, support, and real healing.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
