What Actions Will Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Take After Meeting Odisha Victim's Family?

Bhubaneswar, July 14 (NationPress) - On Sunday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the Burn Centre at AIIMS Bhubaneswar to meet with the family of Soumyashree Bisi, a B.Ed student from FM Autonomous College in Balasore, who attempted self-immolation on Saturday due to alleged harassment from the Head of Department, Samir Kumar Sahu.

During his visit, the Union Minister also spoke with the medical team treating the critically injured student.

After the visit, Pradhan expressed to the media that justice will prevail and that those responsible for the incident will face consequences. He described the event as “deeply unfortunate and highly disturbing,” indicating a serious flaw in the academic environment.

Pradhan noted that the Odisha government has already begun disciplinary and legal actions, with further measures expected. He reassured that preliminary steps have been initiated and that the police are actively investigating the case. “Anyone found culpable—regardless of their position—will not escape accountability,” he stated.

“With over 800 colleges in Odisha, this incident highlights significant deficiencies in campus security and student welfare systems. Urgent reforms and strict adherence to guidelines across all institutions are necessary,” Pradhan emphasized. He urged those in positions of authority to reflect on their responsibilities, asserting that if negligence is found, resigning would be the ethical choice.

As a Member of Parliament from Odisha, Pradhan mentioned that he visited the victim’s family not just in his official capacity but as a caring guardian. “This is not merely an institutional failure; it’s a humanitarian crisis. I stand with the family and assure them of complete support from both the Centre and the State,” he concluded, calling the incident “a wake-up call” for the education system, stressing the need to safeguard the girl’s life and dignity.

Meanwhile, Soumyashree’s brother has called for justice, accusing the college administration of negligence in safeguarding his sister. “The way the college managed the situation was utterly irresponsible. Ongoing disputes have taken a toll on my sister's mental health. We believe that all responsible parties, including the Principal, must be held accountable,” he claimed. He has also appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for strict action against the perpetrators.

In terms of communication with higher officials, he stated, “We seek justice. The Chief Minister must step in. An unbiased and thorough investigation is essential. Anyone found guilty must face punishment, irrespective of their rank.”