The tragic death of Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, has sparked widespread outrage. Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi has blamed the college administration, particularly the Principal, for serious lapses in handling the student's harassment complaint.
Incident Details:
- Soumyashree alleged repeated harassment by Professor Sameer Kumar Sahu, Head of the Education Department.
- Despite lodging complaints with the college administration and police, no action was taken, leading to her extreme decision.
- The student had met the college principal and filed a complaint against the accused professor, but her pleas were ignored.
MP's Reaction:
- Criticism of College Administration: Sarangi criticized the college Principal for failing to monitor the internal complaints committee (ICC) and ensure timely action.
- Investigation: The MP assured that everyone involved would be brought under the purview of the investigation, including those who may have provoked Soumyashree on social media.
- Government Action: The Odisha government has acted swiftly, suspending and arresting the accused HOD and Principal.
Government Response:
- Strict Action: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured strict punishment against those responsible.
- Compensation: The state government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the deceased student.
- Probe Committee: A probe committee has been formed to investigate the incident, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.