Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, succumbed to her injuries on July 14 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. She had attempted self-immolation on July 12, protesting alleged sexual harassment by Professor Sameer Kumar Sahu, Head of the Education Department of her college.
Incident Timeline:
- July 1: Soumyashree files a complaint with the internal complaints committee, accusing Professor Sahu of harassment and demanding sexual favors.
- July 12: Soumyashree sets herself ablaze near the principal's office after a meeting, sustaining 95% burns.
- July 12-14: Soumyashree undergoes treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, fighting for her life.
- July 14: Soumyashree passes away at 11:46 pm due to severe burn injuries.
Authorities' Response:
- Arrests and Suspension: Professor Sameer Kumar Sahu and college principal Dilip Ghosh were suspended and arrested following the incident.
- Investigation: A probe committee was formed by the state higher education department to investigate the incident.
- Government Assurance: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured strict action against those responsible and announced a financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh for Soumyashree's family.
- The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for justice and reforms in campus safety and grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi condemns the college administration, particularly the principal, for serious lapses in handling the situation.