Naveen Patnaik Condemns Rajgangpur Student’s Death, Blames Govt for Failing to Protect Women

Bhubaneswar: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has strongly condemned the death of an 18-year-old Rajgangpur college student, who succumbed to severe burn injuries after allegedly setting herself on fire due to harassment by a male friend.

The student, a Plus II second-year learner of Sarbati Devi Women’s College, died in the early hours of Monday while undergoing treatment at Rourkela’s IGH hospital. She had sustained nearly 90% burns.

Reacting on X, Patnaik described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and criticised the state government for failing to act despite the victim’s family claiming they had received prior threats. He said such tragedies highlight “systemic failure of governance” and a fast-deteriorating safety environment for women in Odisha.

Patnaik accused the government of inaction and political patronage, stating that criminals feel emboldened as law and order weakens. He urged the administration to take immediate, strict action against the accused and implement stronger preventive measures.

“The government’s indifference towards preventing such incidents is emboldening criminals. People are feeling unsafe, and criminals are roaming freely. The government must act firmly to ensure justice,” he stated.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case as investigations continue.