What Demands for Justice Emerge After Odisha Student's Tragic Self-Immolation?

Bhubaneswar, July 13 (NationPress) The father of Soumyashree Bisi, a female B.Ed student currently receiving treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar after attempting self-immolation due to alleged sexual harassment by the Head of Department (HoD) at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, has passionately called for the most severe penalties against the individuals responsible, to prevent future occurrences.

“This is not merely about my daughter. If justice remains unserved, more daughters will face similar fates. I urge the government to impose the strictest penalties on those who have harmed her,” stated Balaram Bisi, Soumyashree’s father, as he fought back tears.

Speaking to the media, the devastated father shared his sorrow, stating that the ordeal his daughter has endured is incomprehensible. “I was given assurances by the authorities that action would be taken and justice would be served, yet all I received were empty promises. I was told to trust them and to remain silent. Now, my daughter is in a hospital bed, fighting for her life,” lamented Balaram.

He recounted how Soumyashree confided in him about the harassment and mental distress she experienced. Balaram expressed his disappointment in the system, stating that his daughter’s trust had been betrayed. He voiced his concern over the slow response from both college officials and law enforcement.

“The accused professor continued his duties without any immediate repercussions, despite numerous complaints. My daughter was left to suffer in silence,” Balaram added. Reflecting on the tragic events, the victim’s mother, Sabita Bisi, revealed, “Soumyashree confided in us about the mental harassment she faced from a teacher after her exams. She lodged a formal complaint. For the past 15 days, she was under severe stress.”

Sabita's only hope is for her daughter to recover and return safely to their family.

Soumyashree, suffering from over 90 percent burn injuries, is currently in the Intensive Care Unit of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.

It is noteworthy that the victim set herself ablaze after dousing herself with petrol outside the Principal's office on Saturday. Initially admitted to Balasore Medical College, she was later transferred to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar for advanced care.

Before her self-immolation, Soumyashree had organized a sit-in protest near the college, demanding action against the accused HoD, Samir Kumar Sahu, for his alleged misconduct. She was deeply distressed by the lack of action taken by college officials despite her formal complaint against Sahu.

Sahu was promptly arrested by the Sahadevkhunta Police after a case was filed against him under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 108 (abetment to suicide) and 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment). The Principal of FM College, Dillip Kumar Ghose, has also been suspended for failing to handle the situation appropriately.