Tragic Self-Immolation Sparks Outcry in Odisha

A woman student from Odisha's Sudergarh district succumbed to burn injuries after allegedly being blackmailed by a man, leading to a self-immolation incident. Government inaction in preventing such tragedies has led to public outrage. This marks the fifth similar incident in six months in Odisha.

A tragic incident unfolded in Odisha's Sudergarh district as a woman student succumbed to severe burn injuries. The young woman reportedly set herself on fire after allegedly being blackmailed by a 25-year-old man. Despite efforts to provide urgent medical care, she passed away in the hospital.

This incident marks the fifth case of self-immolation in Odisha in the past six months, raising serious concerns about the state's handling of women's safety. Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling had intervened to transfer the student to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced care, but unfortunately, the effort came too late.

Political leaders, including BJD President Naveen Patnaik, expressed grief and criticized the government's lack of action. Patnaik urged the government to take stringent measures to curb rising criminal activities and ensure justice for victims, stressing the need for stronger law enforcement and public safety standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)