Crime Branch Records Statement of Man Who Tried to Save Self-Immolation Victim in Odisha

The Odisha Police’s Crime Branch on Thursday recorded the statement of Jyotiranjan Biswal, the man who sustained burn injuries while trying to rescue a 20-year-old college student who set herself on fire in Balasore, allegedly due to sexual harassment.

According to official sources, a team from the Crime Branch visited SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where Biswal is currently undergoing treatment, and documented his testimony as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident.

The student, a resident of Soro area and a student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, died earlier this week after immolating herself outside the house of the accused, sparking outrage and widespread protests across the state.

The Odisha Government on Wednesday handed over the probe to the Crime Branch in light of the growing public outcry and political backlash. The two-member team from the Crime Branch began its investigation by first collecting details from local police, and subsequently moved to record key witness accounts, including Biswal’s.

Meanwhile, the case has taken on significant political and social dimensions, with opposition parties calling for a judicial probe and stricter action against those accused of harassment. The Crime Branch is expected to record more witness statements in the coming days and collect forensic evidence to ascertain the circumstances leading to the student’s extreme step.

The deceased’s family has alleged inaction and apathy by the local police, which, they claim, pushed the girl to take such a drastic step. The Crime Branch has assured a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.

Further updates are awaited as the probe progresses.