Odisha: Student's self-immolation attempt highlights rising harassment concerns

India Dec 06, 2025

An undergraduate student from Sundergarh, Odisha, is in critical condition after attempting self-immolation on Friday night while her family was asleep.
This is the fifth such case in the state in just six months, highlighting ongoing concerns about harassment faced by students.

Arrest and growing pattern spark alarm

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man for allegedly harassing the student.
According to Sundergarh's police chief, early findings suggest harassment was a major factor, and the victim's mother shared that her daughter received a threatening call before the incident.
Sadly, this isn't an isolated event—Odisha has seen several similar cases lately, including one in July where another student died after facing alleged harassment by a professor.