'Still critical, no improvement' in condition of FM College self-immolation bid victim: AIIMS Bhubaneswar

Published 16 hours ago• 2 minute read

PUBLISHED: 14 Jul 2025, 02:47 PM IST LAST UPDATE: 14 Jul 2025, 05:28 PM IST

Girl student battling for life at AIIMS after self-immolation bid in Balasore FM College ‘harassment’ case

The girl student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who attempted self-immolation outside the principal’s office in Balasore on July 12, continues to remain in a critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, hospital authorities confirmed on Monday.

She is currently on ventilator support in the burns ICU, with severe internal injuries affecting her kidneys, lungs, and electrolyte balance.

According to AIIMS Superintendent Dilip Kumar Parida, the current condition of the victim is the same as when she arrived at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. It has neither improved nor deteriorated, he said.

"It has been about 24 hours since the patient arrived at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. We are monitoring her from time to time. Burn injuries cause damage to internal organs, and this is the natural course. We cannot say that her condition has improved. She is critical and stable, in almost the same condition in which she arrived here," informed Parida.

An eight-member medical team, including specialists from nephrology, critical care, surgery, pulmonology, and anaesthesia, has been formed for 24x7 monitoring of her condition.

Dialysis was initiated on Sunday after her kidney function deteriorated, and further sessions may be conducted based on clinical need. Her potassium levels had dropped critically low, prompting micronutrient and electrolyte management, hospital sources said.

Doctors also reported a mild fever and the start of broad-spectrum antibiotics. "Once culture reports are available, the antibiotic regimen will be adjusted accordingly," said AIIMS Superintendent Dr. Dillip Parida.

Real-time consultations are underway with AIIMS Delhi, and supportive therapy, including fluid replacement and organ support, continues.

The student allegedly attempted suicide after accusing Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, Head of the Education Department at FM College, of sexual harassment and abuse of academic authority. It is alleged that her earlier complaints to the administration were mishandled, prompting her extreme step during a protest on campus.

Following the incident, the Higher Education Department suspended Principal Dillip Kumar Ghosh and arrested Sahoo. A three-member fact-finding committee has been set up to probe institutional lapses, the role of the Internal Complaint Committee, and the administrative response timeline.