Balasore: In a significant development in the shocking student immolation case, Balasore police have arrested Dilip Ghosh, the Principal of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College. This arrest follows the earlier apprehension of Samir Kumar Sahu, the Head of the Department (HOD) of Educational Studies, who is the prime accused in the sexual harassment allegations that led to the tragic incident.
The arrests come after a 20-year-old second-year Integrated B.Ed student, identified as Soumyashri Bisi, set herself on fire on the college campus on Saturday, July 12, 2025. She sustained over 90% burn injuries and is currently in critical condition, battling for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Another student, Jyotiprakash Biswal, also sustained injuries while attempting to rescue her.
Soumyashri Bisi had reportedly been facing mental and sexual harassment from HOD Samir Kumar Sahu for several months. She alleged that Sahu had been demanding sexual favors and threatening to sabotage her academic record if she did not comply.
On June 30, Soumyashri formally lodged a complaint with Principal Dilip Ghosh. An internal complaints committee (ICC) was subsequently formed on July 1. However, reports indicate that the ICC was not fully functional, and its members were reportedly unaware of their inclusion. Despite her complaint, the student felt that no substantial action was being taken. Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi also claimed to have informed the principal and police about the matter, but alleged inaction.
Fed up with the alleged inaction and continued mental harassment, Soumyashri staged a protest sit-in outside the college. On Saturday, July 12, after reportedly meeting with the principal again and not receiving a satisfactory response, she took the extreme step of self-immolation near the principal’s office.
Following the incident and mounting public outrage, Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu was immediately arrested by Sahadev Khunta Police on Saturday, July 12, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita, including abetment to suicide and sexual harassment.
Principal Dilip Ghosh, who had initially been suspended by the Higher Education Department, was subsequently arrested by Balasore police on Monday, July 14. The arrests underscore the gravity with which authorities are now treating the case, particularly in light of allegations of administrative negligence and a possible cover-up. Balasore SP Raj Prasad confirmed Sahu’s arrest and stated that Shri Ghosh and other ICC members would be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Odisha government has taken serious note of the incident. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to assess the student’s condition and assured her family of full support and a thorough investigation. He pledged stringent action against all those found guilty.
A three-member high-level inquiry committee, headed by Higher Education Director Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, has been constituted to investigate the matter. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also intervened, seeking an action taken report within three days. The Women and Children Wing of the Crime Branch of Odisha Police has taken up the case suo motu.
The incident has triggered widespread protests across Odisha, with opposition parties demanding a judicial probe and the resignation of the state higher education minister. The focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and preventing such incidents in educational institutions in the future. The student remains in critical condition, and medical teams are providing the best possible treatment, with virtual consultations from AIIMS Delhi.