Rising Self-Immolation Incidents in Odisha: An Alarming Trend

An undergraduate student in Odisha suffered severe burns after a self-immolation attempt amid alleged harassment. This is the fifth such incident in six months, highlighting a disturbing trend. Arrests have been made in similar cases, as authorities investigate these tragic occurrences marked by harassment and threats.

In a harrowing incident from Odisha's Sundergarh district, an undergraduate student sustained severe burn injuries following an alleged self-immolation attempt, police reported on Saturday. This marks the fifth incident of its kind in the region within the past six months.

A man, accused of harassing the victim, has been arrested. The tragic event unfolded on Friday night in Lanjiberna as the student's family slept. Initially treated at a local hospital, she was later moved to Rourkela's Ispat General Hospital, with doctors deeming her condition 'highly critical'. 'The police have apprehended a 25-year-old man connected with the harassment,' stated Sundergarh Superintendent of Police Amritpal Kaur. The victim's mother disclosed that her daughter received a threatening call before the attempt. 'We were asleep as she studied. Her screams woke us, leading to her emergency transportation to the hospital,' the mother recounted.

This case adds to the series of similar incidents since July across Odisha. Instances range from a Balasore student succumbing to injuries following alleged harassment by a professor, to a minor girl from Puri and another student from Kendrapara, highlighting an ongoing crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)