What Happened to the Odisha Student? CM Mohan Majhi Expresses Grief and Promises Justice
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Synopsis
In a heartbreaking incident, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expresses his sorrow over the tragic death of a Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student. Assuring justice and stringent punishment for the responsible parties, the CM's message resonates with the urgency for change against sexual harassment in educational institutions.
Key Takeaways
- CM Majhi's commitment to justice.
- Importance of addressing sexual harassment in education.
- Government's zero-tolerance policy against such incidents.
- Need for systemic reforms in educational institutions.
- Support offered to the grieving family.
Bhubaneswar, July 15 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound sorrow over the tragic passing of a female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who sadly succumbed to her injuries while being treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The Chief Minister assured the grieving family that the strictest legal penalties would be enforced against those responsible.
The 20-year-old B.Ed student was admitted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, following a self-immolation attempt on Saturday due to sexual harassment by the Head of the Department (HOD) of her discipline at FM Autonomous College, Balasore.
Sharing his heartfelt condolences, CM Majhi stated, “I am devastated by the news of the passing of the female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite the government's comprehensive efforts and the tireless dedication of a team of expert doctors, we could not save her.”
He continued, “I pray to Lord Jagannath for eternal peace for the departed soul and for strength to the bereaved family during this tough time.”
CM Majhi also guaranteed the family of the deceased that stringent actions would be taken against all individuals accountable for the unfortunate death of Soumyashree.
“I assure the family of the deceased student that all those deemed guilty in this case will face the harshest penalties as per the law. I have personally directed the authorities to ensure strict action.”
He emphasized that the government stands in solidarity with the victim’s family during this period of mourning.
The Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, also conveyed his deep sorrow regarding the student's passing.
In a post on the social media platform X, he expressed in Odiya (translated), “I am heartbroken to learn about the demise of Somyashree Bisi, a student involved in the Balasore Fakir Mohan Autonomous College incident. I pray for eternal peace for the departed soul and extend my condolences to the grieving family. In this sorrowful time, may Lord Jagannath grant the family immense patience and courage. Om Shanti.”
Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj also shared his profound sorrow over the death of the girl student from Balasore, who had attempted self-immolation. In a post on social media, he stated, “I am deeply pained to hear about the demise of the student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite all our efforts and prayers, we could not save her.”
He further added that the strictest possible actions have already been initiated against the culprits under the government’s zero-tolerance policy. “The process of administering the harshest punishment to the guilty has already begun. We are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not occur again,” he said.
Labeling the incident as incredibly unfortunate, Suraj remarked, “What has transpired should never have occurred. I find myself at a loss for words to condemn such a tragic event. May the Almighty endow strength and courage to the bereaved family.”
The student succumbed to her injuries at the burn center of AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday. As per a medical bulletin from the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, she was admitted to the ICU at AIIMS on July 12 at 5:15 p.m., having been referred from the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital on Saturday.
It is crucial to note that the victim, a B.Ed student, set herself ablaze after dousing herself with petrol in front of the principal’s chamber on Saturday due to alleged sexual harassment by the HOD of her discipline, Samir Kumar Sahu.
The student, suffering from over 90 percent burn injuries, was initially rushed to Blasore Medical College, but later transferred to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar for advanced care. She was distressed as no action was taken against the HOD by the college authorities despite her formal complaint against the accused Sahu.
Sahu was promptly arrested by the Sahadevkhunta Police after a case was registered 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 Autonomous College, Dillip Kumar Ghose, was also apprehended in connection with the case on Monday.
Point of View
It is imperative to address the urgent need for accountability and reform within educational institutions. The tragic loss of a young life due to harassment is a stark reminder that systemic changes are necessary to protect students. The commitment from government leaders to pursue justice is a step forward, but sustained action is crucial to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the student's tragic death?
The student attempted self-immolation due to alleged sexual harassment from her Head of Department, which ultimately led to her injuries and subsequent death.
What actions are being taken against the accused?
The authorities have assured that strict legal actions will be taken against all individuals responsible for the student's death, in line with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment.
How did the government respond to this incident?
The Chief Minister and other government officials expressed their condolences and assured the family that justice will be pursued with the utmost seriousness.
