Bhubaneswar: The Inspector General of Odisha Police Crime Branch, S Shyni, who was leading the investigation into the death of a college student in Balasore following self-immolation, has gone on leave till August 15, officials said on Wednesday.

Shyni, who also heads the Crime Against Women and Children Wing, went on leave from Tuesday, a day after two ABVP leaders were arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of the 20-year-old FM College student. The student had set herself on fire on July 12, reportedly in protest against sexual harassment by a professor, and died two days later at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

In her absence, Crime Branch SP Anirudha Routray has been tasked with supervising the investigation.

“IGP Shyni has gone on leave on personal grounds. Her leave is unrelated to the arrests made in the case,” said Vinaytosh Mishra, DG, Crime Branch.

The Crime Branch took over the probe on July 16. So far, four persons — the accused professor, a former principal, and two leaders of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) — have been arrested.

The case has sparked widespread protests across the state, with demands for a fair and speedy investigation.