Bhubaneswar: Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore, tragically succumbed to her severe burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on the night of July 14, 2025, at 11:46 PM.
She had attempted self-immolation on July 12, 2025, in front of the principal’s chamber at her college after allegedly enduring months of sexual harassment from her Head of Department, Samir Kumar Sahu, and a lack of action from the college authorities despite her formal complaints.
Soumyashree had suffered over 90 percent burn injuries and was initially rushed to Balasore Medical College before being transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. Despite extensive efforts by a team of specialists at the Burns Centre ICU, including IV fluids, antibiotics, intubation, mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy, she could not be revived.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and political reactions. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over her demise, stating that despite all government responsibilities being fulfilled and tireless efforts by the medical team, her life could not be saved.
He assured the family of the deceased that all those guilty would face the strictest punishment as per law, having personally issued instructions to the authorities.
The Chief Minister had visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to inquire about her condition and had spoken with her parents, assuring them of full support and promising strict action against those responsible. He also mentioned that a team of medical experts would be formed for virtual consultations with AIIMS Delhi specialists.
While the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, visited Soumyashree Bisi in person at AIIMS Bhubaneswar during her visit to Odisha. Similarly,Governor of Odisha, Hari Babu Kambhampati, directly visiting Soumyashree Bisi at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
However, Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik sought the intervention of Governor Shri Kambhampati, in his capacity as Chancellor of government universities, to ensure justice for Soumyashree.
Samir Kumar Sahu, the accused HoD, was arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police, and 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 college principal, Dilip Ghosh, has been suspended,and later arrested.
And a three-member probe team has been initiated by the Higher Education Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Prior to her self-immolation, Soumyashree had staged a sit-in protest, and had even tweeted about her ordeal to the Chief Minister and other officials, but her pleas went unheeded. The internal complaints committee (ICC) had reportedly cleared Shri Sahu of the allegations, which further exacerbated her distress.