Balasore (Odisha): A student from the integrated B.Ed programme at Fakir Mohan College is battling for her life with 95 percent burn injuries after setting herself on fire on campus, allegedly in desperation over repeated demands for sexual favours from her head of department (HOD), media reports said.

She had lodged a written complaint on 1 July with the college’s Internal Complaints Committee, accusing HOD Samir Kumar Sahu of soliciting “favours” and threatening to derail her future if she refused, according to an NDTV report.

According to college sources, she was told that action would follow within seven days, but no decision had been communicated.

On Saturday, the student joined classmates in a protest outside the college gate.

Witnesses say she suddenly broke away, doused herself with petrol near the principal’s office and ignited it, the report said.

A fellow student who tried to help her has sustained 70 percent burns.

The state’s higher education department has suspended both Sahu and principal Dilip Ghosh, while police have arrested the HOD.

“Strict action will be taken against them,” said the state’s higher education minister Suryabanshi Suraj, according to the report.

Ghosh confirmed the complaint had been filed.

“The student met me in my office today and stated that she was facing extreme mental pressure. She asked me to call Sahu to the office, which I did,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

“I informed both the student and the teacher of the consequences if any of their statements were found to be false. Sahu denied the allegations and the woman also stood firm,” he added.

Protests intensified after the immolation attempt.

Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said the accused teacher has been arrested. “Several teams are collecting evidence. Whoever is found to be at fault will be held accountable,” he said as quoted by NDTV.

Both the victim and the student who tried to rescue her are being treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where their condition remains critical.