Balasore, Odisha : In a deeply disturbing incident that has raised serious questions about campus safety, a youth has been arrested for attempting to rape the wife of an assistant professor inside the residential quarters of Fakir Mohan University in Balasore district.
The incident took place within the university’s staff housing premises—an area presumed to be secure. According to reports, the accused, identified as Harihar Patra alias Shankar, a resident of the Nilgiri area, allegedly entered the quarters by posing as an LPG delivery agent.
On the day of the incident, the assistant professor’s wife was expecting an LPG gas cylinder delivery. Hearing a knock at the door, she called out to confirm if the person was the delivery man. When the youth responded affirmatively, she opened the door and went inside to get the payment. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused forcibly entered the house and began to behave inappropriately.
The terrified woman immediately raised an alarm, alerting neighbors and university officials. The police were informed without delay, and the accused was apprehended by Remuna Police shortly thereafter.
Dr. Santosh Kumar Tripathy, Chancellor of Fakir Mohan University, expressed grave concern over the security breach.
“As per the information received, the accused impersonated an LPG delivery boy and gained access to the staff quarters. He attempted to misbehave with the professor’s wife. The police were immediately informed, and the accused is now in custody,” Dr. Tripathy stated.
He further questioned how an outsider managed to enter the secured residential area and assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated. “This incident is extremely serious. We are reviewing all campus security protocols and conducting an internal inquiry,” he added.
The accused is currently in police custody and is being interrogated. A case has been registered on the basis of the victim’s complaint. Authorities are probing whether the accused acted alone or if there was any larger conspiracy involved. The accused will be produced before the court today.
This incident comes close on the heels of another shocking event at Fakir Mohan University, where a female student allegedly set herself ablaze, accusing a faculty member of harassment. That case had led to the arrest of both the accused teacher and the university principal.
The recurrence of such alarming incidents has sparked outrage among the academic community and the public, placing the spotlight firmly on the university’s failing security mechanisms. Immediate and stringent measures are now being demanded to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and their families residing on campus.
