Odisha student’s self-immolation sparks political uproar over institutional failures

A tragic incident at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, has ignited political firestorms and widespread public outrage.

Soumyashree Bisi, a second-year integrated B.Ed student, is on ventilator support at AIIMS Bhubaneswar following self-immolation on campus on July 12, after allegedly facing months of sexual harassment by a professor and repeated institutional indifference .

In her complaint on July 1, Bisi accused Assistant Professor Sameer Kumar Sahoo of demanding sexual favours and then retaliating by failing her and hindering her academic progress.

Despite filing grievances to the college’s internal complaints committee (ICC), police, and even social media appeals tagged to the Chief Minister and Education Minister, no action was taken, leaving her “feeling helpless,” according to her father .

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, also chancellor of state universities, has called for a detailed government report. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the student’s family, assured timely police investigation, and urged against politicisation.

President Droupadi Murmu, present at that day’s AIIMS convocation, visited sickbed, consoled the family, and pledged to monitor the case closely.

Meanwhile, the Congress party labeled the incident “organized murder by system,” demanded a judicial or CBI probe, and announced a bandh in Odisha on July 17 .

Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, derided the ruling BJP government with the phrase “Beti Padhao, Beti Jalao,” highlighting gender safety failure and calling for the Governor’s intervention .

Meanwhile, the Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered suspension of the college principal and formed a high-level inquiry.

Sameer Sahoo has been arrested and sent to judicial custody . A medical panel is overseeing Bisi’s critical treatment—she has suffered around 95% burns.

The incident spotlights critical lapses in Anti-Sexual Harassment (POSH) compliance in educational institutions.

Authorities now face scrutiny over policy enforcement, grievance redressal timelines, mental health support, and campus safety protocols.

Political parties are positioning the case as proof of systemic neglect under the current ruling BJP-led Odisha government.