Balasore student told ex-principal about harassment 6 months ago

BHUBANESWAR/BALASORE: The 20-year-old student in Odisha’s Balasore who set herself ablaze on the campus on July 12 had informed college authorities that her HoD had sought sexual favours from her six months ago, probe revealed Friday.

“The student, in a meeting conducted on June 30 at the office of then principal — who is now suspended — told everyone that the HoD had sought sexual favours from her. However, the HoD denied the allegation,” said the in-charge principal of the govt college, adding that the matter was forwarded to the internal complaints committee for inquiry.

“UGC and higher education committees, and crime branch are investigating the case. They are analysing everything related to the student’s self-immolation and her sexual harassment allegations , and the ICC findings,” he added. The college resumed academic activities Friday following days of protest, but student turnout was low and the atmosphere on the campus was grim and tense.