Bhubaneswar, Jul 14: A 22-year-old BEd student who attempted self-immolation in protest against sexual harassment by her college HOD is battling for life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 95% burn injuries. Her father, unable to recognise her, blamed the college authorities for mentally torturing her to withdraw her complaint.

“She is on life support… I cannot recognise my daughter,” he told NDTV, fighting back tears. The girl, a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, had earlier filed a sexual harassment complaint against HOD Samir Kumar Sahu, who has since been arrested.

The girl’s family alleged the college’s internal committee and principal pressurised her to withdraw the complaint, even threatening to file an FIR against her father.

A chilling video from the scene showed the girl in flames running through a corridor. A fellow student who tried to help her suffered 70% burns and is also under treatment.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital and said the government would ensure the best medical care, including shifting her to AIIMS Delhi if needed.