India, July 16 -- The death of a college student in Odisha after she set herself on fire - over alleged sexual harassment by her professor and the inaction of the college administration - puts sexual violence on campuses in the spotlight yet again. Higher education regulator UGC has announced a probe, and the Opposition in the state has called for a bandh on Thursday. Having failed to act promptly, the state government and the college administration must now ensure that the probe is completed quickly with due rigour and accountability fixed for violations and lapses established by the probe.

The tragic end to the young woman's life offers at least two takeaways for the government, college authorities, and society at large, on curbing sex...