Odisha: College girl dies by suicide after setting herself on fire

NEW DELHI: A 20-year-old woman, who allegedly set herself on fire because of torture by her father and stepmother, died during treatment at a hospital in Odisha's Ganjam district on Tuesday, police said. Rani Pradhan, a final year undergraduate student from Kukudakhandi village in Berhampur Sadar police station area, set herself on fire by pouring petrol near the Panchayat Samity office on Monday afternoon, they said.

SP Sarvana Vivek M said she suffered 90 per cent burn injuries and was undergoing treatment at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital where she died. Initial inquiry has revealed that she took the step as her father and stepmother allegedly tortured her, police said. Her mother died when she was just three years old, following which her father married another woman and they have a son.

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"We have detained her father for interrogation. The exact cause will be known only after the integration of her father and other relatives," said the SP. A case of unnatural death was registered, police said.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.