In a deeply disturbing incident highlighting a growing pattern of self-harm among female students in Odisha, an undergraduate woman suffered severe burn injuries after allegedly attempting self-immolation in Sundergarh district on Friday night. According to police reports, the victim sustained burns over approximately 90 percent of her body and is currently in “highly critical” condition. This marks the fifth such incident in the state within the past six months, raising concerns over student safety, harassment, and mental health support.

The incident occurred in the Lanjiberna area late on Friday when the victim’s family members were asleep. According to her mother, the student had received a threatening call prior to the attempt. Family members were alerted after hearing her screams and rushed her first to a local hospital and then to Ispat General Hospital (IGH) in Rourkela for intensive treatment.

Sundergarh Superintendent of Police Amritpal Kaur confirmed that a 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case. “The preliminary investigation indicates that the man was harassing the woman student,” she said, adding that the police are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to the attempt.

The victim’s mother recounted the terrifying events: “All the family members went to sleep while she was studying. However, we woke up after hearing her scream and rushed her to a local hospital and from there to IGH. My daughter had received some threatening call following which she attempted self-immolation.”

This tragic incident is part of a worrying trend in Odisha. Since July 2025, five cases of female students resorting to self-immolation or similar extreme measures have been reported across the state, often linked to harassment, blackmail, or abuse.

The first case occurred on July 14, when a college student in Balasore allegedly attempted self-immolation following sexual harassment by her professor. She later succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Four individuals, including the professor and the college principal, were arrested and jailed on charges of abetment.

A second incident took place on July 19, when a minor girl from Balanga in Puri district allegedly set herself ablaze. She died during treatment at AIIMS in New Delhi on August 2. Police investigations into this case are ongoing, and the exact motives are yet to be fully determined.

In Kendrapara district, a 20-year-old undergraduate student reportedly died on August 6 after allegedly being blackmailed by her male friend. The accused has been arrested, and police are investigating the details of the harassment that led to the tragic outcome.

A fourth case involved a 13-year-old schoolgirl in Bargarh district, who died of self-immolation on August 11 in a field near her maternal uncle’s house under Phiringmal police station jurisdiction. While the circumstances remain under investigation, the incident further underscores the vulnerability of young women in the state.

Authorities and experts are now expressing concern over the repeated occurrence of such extreme acts among female students, citing harassment, bullying, and mental health pressures as underlying factors. Odisha Police have stated that they are taking these incidents very seriously, emphasizing the need for stronger protective measures and counselling services for students, especially young women, to prevent such tragedies.

Mental health professionals highlight that students often face immense stress and fear due to harassment, and in the absence of adequate support systems, they may resort to drastic measures like self-immolation. The rising trend has prompted calls for educational institutions to establish accessible grievance redressal mechanisms, helplines, and counselling services to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

The Sundergarh police are continuing their investigation into the most recent case. The arrested individual is being questioned to determine the nature and extent of harassment faced by the victim. Officials have also urged families and communities to be vigilant and report any threats or harassment immediately to prevent escalation.

The spate of incidents in Odisha has sparked public outrage and debates about the safety of female students in educational institutions and the societal pressures they face. Civil society groups, women’s rights organisations, and student unions have called for comprehensive measures to address harassment, ensure mental health support, and create safer environments for young women across the state.

While authorities scramble to respond to these emergencies, the recurring nature of these cases suggests a systemic issue that requires urgent attention, encompassing both legal enforcement against harassment and proactive measures to provide emotional and psychological support to students at risk.

In conclusion, the latest case in Sundergarh district adds to an alarming pattern of self-immolation attempts among female students in Odisha, highlighting the urgent need for stronger preventive mechanisms, institutional accountability, and comprehensive mental health interventions. The state government, police, and educational institutions are under increasing pressure to address these incidents effectively and ensure the safety and well-being of young women in Odisha.