Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday said he had initiated discussions with his team to arrange a meeting with doctors at AIIMS Delhi regarding the treatment plan for the student who attempted self-immolation in Balasore. The student, who suffered 90% burns, had accused a teacher of harassment.

With the next 24 hours deemed critical, the state government has prepared to airlift her to Delhi if necessary. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister and Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo visited the victim at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

"The student is receiving treatment at Bhubaneswar AIIMS. Her condition is very critical, and a medical team has been assembled to provide her care. She is being treated according to the protocols of Delhi AIIMS. Today, I discussed with the team how to hold a virtual meeting with doctors at Delhi AIIMS. The meeting will focus on enhancing treatment and exploring possibilities for further improvement," CM Majhi told media persons here.

Majhi said that they have directed the medical team to issue two bulletins daily, and that after the inquiry team's report is submitted, additional measures will be implemented on top of the existing ones.

"The next 24 hours will be crucial for the patient. If necessary, we can also airlift her. The inquiry team has begun its investigation. Whatever report is produced, the government is taking it very seriously. We have also instructed the medical team to issue two bulletins daily. We have taken action, and upon receiving the next report, we will implement additional measures," he said.

On Saturday, a student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College attempted self-immolation in protest over alleged sexual harassment by her teacher.

Following this, the Odisha Higher Education Department, on Saturday, constituted a committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the alleged harassment case against Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor, FM Auto College. Later, the police nabbed Sahu. 

"In the case of a female student who attempted self-immolation, prima facie evidence has been established against a teacher. He has been arrested and forwarded to the court. This student had lodged a complaint with the Internal Compliance Committee on 30th June. We are enquiring about the findings of their report. Whoever is found guilty, accountability will be fixed for them," Balasore SP Raj Prasad said.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) also took suo-moto cognisance of a "deeply disturbing" report of the self-immolation and directed the State Director General of Police (DGP) to take strict action against the culprits. (ANI)