Tragic Odisha College Case: Student’s Months of Harassment and Cry for Justice
The victim’s friend tells NDTV about months of mental and academic harassment by Samir Kumar Sahu.
In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the academic community and beyond, a 20-year-old student from Odisha’s Fakir Mohan College tragically ended her life after enduring months of alleged harassment by her Head of Department (HoD), Samir Kumar Sahu. The student, who was pursuing her second year in the integrated B.Ed course, had confided in her friends about the mental and academic torment she faced long before the tragic event.
A Silent Struggle Comes to Light
According to a close friend who spoke to NDTV, the student revealed that she was deliberately being failed by her HoD, who refused to clear her backlogs. This prolonged academic harassment was compounded by mental harassment, including threats and blackmail. The friend shared, “A few months ago, she confided in me that she was being harassed by her HoD… He misbehaved with her in front of others and threatened to trap her in this situation for six long years.”
A Cry for Help and Collective Action
On June 30th, gathering her courage, the student mobilized her classmates to confront the principal, Dilip Ghose, demanding serious action against the HoD. She sought support to address the harassment openly and to seek justice. This moment was a significant step for the student, who had previously kept her suffering private.
The Bigger Picture: Harassment in Academic Institutions
This tragic case brings to light the critical issue of harassment within educational institutions, especially when power dynamics prevent victims from speaking out. Academic harassment, combined with threats and mental abuse, can have devastating consequences on students’ mental health and well-being.
A Call for Change
The loss of a young life under such circumstances is a wake-up call for educational institutions, policymakers, and society at large. It highlights the urgent need for creating safe spaces where students can pursue their education without fear of harassment or intimidation.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time. Let this tragedy be a catalyst for change, ensuring no student ever feels helpless or silenced again.
