Balasore (Odisha) [India], July 16 : The father of the 20-year-old college student, who immolated herself in protest over alleged sexual harassment by her teacher, on Wednesday vowed to fight till his last breath for justice.
He also demanded that the government conduct a screening test before hiring someone as a teacher.
Speaking with ANI, he said, "Doesn't matter if someone does or doesn't do anything, I'll fight till my last breath for my daughter. My daughter has passed away. If I don't fight, then what will happen to someone else's daughter next time? I will fight for them. They should make strict laws. The government should do a screening before hiring people with such unethical thoughts."
"My daughter has taught me, Papa, fight till last breath. If I don't get justice, someone else will," he added.
The 20-year-old student set herself on fire after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment by her college's Head of Department. Despite lodging a formal complaint and seeking help from the principal, her pleas were ignored, leading to the tragic incident. The incident occurred at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College
Speaking about the accused, who has been arrested by the police, victim's father said, "He had full control over the internal marks. He was the HOD. Students' future depends on them. He used to threaten students."
Meanwhile, Odisha's main opposition party, Biju Janata Dal, took to the streets today, calling for 'Balasore Bandh' in protest against the Odisha government after a 20-year-old girl self-immolated because of alleged sexual harassment by her teacher.
Biju Janata Dal Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra demanded that the Odisha government "come out of slumber" and take action by ordering a judicial inquiry against the perpetrators.
Joining the party's protest against the state government in Bhubaneshwar, Debi Prasad Mishra said those who took no action over the case should resign.
Speaking with ANI, he said, "We demand the government to come out of its slumber and take action by ordering a judicial inquiry. Those who took no action should take moral responsibility and resign."
BJD MLA Susant Kumar Rout reiterated BJD's demand for a judicial inquiry into the case.
"Such a thing has never happened before. BJD demands a judicial inquiry into the case. We are protesting against the government and demanding justice for the girl."
Later, Police detained BJD workers and used water cannons to disperse them as they took to the streets in protest against the government.