Odisha student blackmailed with private photos by ex-boyfriend dies by suicide; BJP-led govt under fire over police inaction

A 20-year-old college student in Odisha’s Kendrapara district died after allegedly setting herself on fire following months of blackmail and threats from a former boyfriend. The incident has triggered a political uproar, with opposition parties targeting the BJP-led state government over growing concerns about women’s safety and police apathy.

What happened in Kendrapara?

The student, in her final year of undergraduate studies, was found with severe burn injuries inside her home in the Pattamundai area on Wednesday morning. Her father said she was alone at the time and had poured petrol on herself before lighting the fire.

According to the family, she had filed a police complaint about six months ago, accusing a man she had been in a relationship with of blackmailing her using private photos. The accused had allegedly threatened to kill her by burning her alive. Despite their plea, the father said the police did not take any formal action and only advised her to block the man on social media.

Are such incidents becoming common?

This is the third such death in Odisha within a month. On July 12, a 20-year-old student from FM College in Balasore died after setting herself on fire at her college campus. She had earlier accused the head of her department of sexual harassment. Another 15-year-old girl in Puri district’s Balanga area died of severe burns on August 2.

These back-to-back tragedies have raised serious questions about how authorities are responding to cases involving young women in distress.

How are political parties reacting?

The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which ruled Odisha for over two decades before losing power earlier this year, has launched a strong attack against the current BJP-led state government. At a press conference, senior BJD leader Lenin Mohanty said the recent deaths reflect a breakdown of law and order. He called the situation “frustrating” and demanded that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hand over the Home Department to someone more capable.

Mohanty also said the Director General of Police should resign for failing to protect ordinary citizens.

The Congress party echoed similar concerns. It alleged that the student resorted to the extreme step because her complaints were ignored. The party announced a high-level fact-finding committee to visit the site and prepare a detailed report. The team is expected to reach Kendrapara on Thursday.

Probe

Police have confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the case. Officials say further steps will be taken based on evidence collected. But as anger grows across the state, many are questioning whether enough is being done to prevent such tragedies—and whether earlier intervention could have saved a life.

(It's important to remember that suicide is not a solution to any problem, and those struggling with mental health issues should seek help from professionals. The 'Disha' helpline provides free counselling and support services. You can call them at 1056 or 0471-2552056.)