What Actions Are Being Taken for Odisha Student's Self-Immolation Treatment?
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Synopsis
The formation of a high-level expert committee by AIIMS Bhubaneswar to oversee the treatment of Soumyasree Bisi, a B.Ed student who attempted self-immolation, highlights the ongoing issues of harassment in educational institutions. This incident raises critical questions about student safety and institutional accountability.
Key Takeaways
- AIIMS Bhubaneswar has formed a dedicated expert committee for Soumyasree's treatment.
- Her condition is critical, and she is on a ventilator due to severe burns.
- Actions have been taken against the accused HOD following the incident.
- The treatment will be provided at no cost, demonstrating governmental support.
- Institutional accountability is essential in preventing such incidents in the future.
Bhubaneswar, July 13 (NationPress) The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, has established a high-level expert committee to supervise and manage the treatment of Soumyasree Bisi, a B.Ed student who attempted self-immolation.
Bisi, a student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, was admitted to the institute after her self-immolation attempt occurred in front of the principal’s office on Saturday due to alleged harassment from the Head of Department (HOD).
According to the office order from the Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the expert committee comprises Prof. Jayant Mitra from the Department of Anaesthesia, Prof. Manoj Panigrahi from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Sanjay Giri, Additional Professor in Burn and Plastic Surgery (Member Secretary), Dr. Shantanu Subba, Associate Professor in Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sandip Panda, Associate Professor in Nephrology, Dr. Debishree Das, Assistant Professor in Anesthesia, Dr. Mahalingam, Nursing Superintendent-I, and Priyadarshini Sahoo, Assistant Nursing Superintendent (ANS).
“The committee may include additional faculty members from other clinical departments as needed and will ensure the best possible management for the patient, with treatment provided at no cost as determined by the government.
“Dr. Sanjay Giri has been authorized to provide daily medical updates once in the morning and once in the evening,” the official order states.
“The victim's condition is critical. We are doing everything we can, and our expert team from various departments is dedicated to delivering top-notch care. The patient's lungs and kidneys have been impacted, and she is currently on a ventilator in the ICU after suffering approximately 90 to 95 percent burn injuries. We can only assess her recovery status in the next 24 to 48 hours,” stated Ashutosh Biswas, the director of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to visit AIIMS later today to check on the victim's health and speak with her family members.
Previously, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited AIIMS on Sunday to inquire about the girl's health condition.
Soumyashree Bisi, a second-year integrated BEd student, set herself ablaze after dousing herself with petrol in front of the college gate. The student, suffering from severe burn injuries, was initially rushed to Balasore Medical College before being transferred to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, for more advanced treatment.
Before her self-immolation attempt, Soumyashree had organized a sit-in protest on the college campus demanding action against the HOD of the BEd department for alleged misbehavior. She was deeply distressed that no action had been taken against the accused, Samir Kumar Sahu, despite her formal complaint.
Following this incident, the principal of FM College, Dillip Kumar Ghosh, and the accused HOD, Samir Kumar Sahu, were suspended by the Odisha Higher Education Department.
The Sahadevkhunta Police also acted swiftly, arresting HOD Samir Kumar Sahu.
Subsequently, the Odisha Higher Education Department formed a high-level committee, which includes Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, Director of the Higher Education Department, Mousumi Nayak, Joint Secretary, Higher Education Department, and Prof (Dr) Jhumki Rath from B.J.B. (Auto.) College, Bhubaneswar, to investigate the harassment allegations against the accused HOD, Samir Kumar Sahu.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the societal implications of this tragic event. The incident involving Soumyasree Bisi underscores the urgent need for educational institutions to address harassment seriously and ensure a safe learning environment. We must advocate for comprehensive measures that prioritize student well-being and institutional accountability across all levels.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Soumyasree Bisi's self-immolation attempt?
Soumyasree Bisi attempted self-immolation due to alleged harassment by the Head of Department at her college, and her complaints went unaddressed.
What is the current condition of Soumyasree Bisi?
Soumyasree Bisi is in a critical condition with severe burn injuries and is currently on a ventilator in the ICU.
What actions have been taken against the accused HOD?
The accused HOD, Samir Kumar Sahu, has been suspended and arrested by the police following the incident.
What support is being provided for Soumyasree's treatment?
AIIMS Bhubaneswar has formed a high-level expert committee to monitor her treatment, which will be provided free of cost as per government regulations.
Who is visiting Soumyasree Bisi at the hospital?
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to visit AIIMS to inquire about her health condition and meet her family.
