Balasore, Odisha – July 12, 2025
In a harrowing incident at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, Balasore, a 20-year-old B.Ed student, identified as Soumyashree Bisi, poured petrol over herself and set herself on fire in front of the Principal’s chamber. This act was borne out of frustration and despair after her repeated sexual harassment complaints against her Head of Department (HOD), Sameer Sahoo, remained unattended by college authorities. She is now fighting for her life with approximately 90% burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Incident and Immediate Aftermath
- Harassment Allegations: According to classmates, the HOD had been coercing Soumyashree for inappropriate favors, threatening to sabotage her academic outcomes if she resisted.
- Failed Redressal: Soumyashree formally lodged her complaint with the college PCS (Internal Complaints Committee) on June 30, unsuccessfully petitioned local police, and staged a week-long sit-in protest to demand action.
- Critical Moment: On July 12, after another meeting with Principal Dilip Ghosh, she set herself aflame. A male student, who attempted to save her, is also undergoing treatment.
- Medical Transfer: She was first taken to Balasore District HQ Hospital, then shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar for specialized treatment.
Health Update & Investigation
- Medical Status: Doctors indicate that Soumyashree has sustained third-degree burns across 90% of her body—statistically a critical condition. A specialized team is managing her care.
- Legal Action: The accused HOD, Sameer Sahoo, has been arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police and sets have been initiated under relevant sections of the IPC and POSH Act.
- Disciplinary Action: The Odisha Higher Education Department suspended Principal Dilip Ghosh and HOD Sameer Sahoo citing gross negligence in promptly addressing the allegations.
Political Response & Public Outcry
- Government Intervention: Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited the hospital and vowed stringent action while confirming an in-depth departmental probe.
- Legislative Condemnation: Balasore MLA Manas Dutta emphasized saving the student’s life takes precedence but called for "zero tolerance" to institutional neglect.
- Civic Uproar: Opposition factions decried repeated institutional failures in handling harassment complaints and demanded accountability and system-wide reforms.
Institutional Failures & Broader Patterns
- ICC Inaction: Evidence suggests that the college’s internal complaints committee lacked transparency and student participation, leading to allegations of a "sham investigation."
- Historical Incidents: This case echoes a similar tragedy earlier this year—Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT University also died by suicide after alleged harassment and institutional inaction.
- Repetitive Failures: Odisha has seen multiple harassment-linked self-harm cases, including a Class 12 student in Kendrapara earlier in 2025 after being inappropriately frisked by an invigilator.
What's Next – Accountability & Reform
| Stakeholder | Planned/Expected Actions |
|---|---|
| Police & Judicial System | Investigation under IPC, POSH Act. Filing FIRs, evidence gathering, including CCTV and witness testimonies |
| College Administration | Departmental enquiry, possible terminations or reinstatement of HOD/Principal based on findings |
| State Education Dept. | Government-formed probe panel examining institutional lapses and ICC processes; report due within 30 days |
| Regulatory Bodies | Potential compliance restructuring for ICC protocols and enforcement of strict timelines for resolution |
| Civil Society & Media | Continued attention and advocacy to ensure judicial transparency and policy adherence |
| Student & Parent Groups | Calls for gender-sensitivity training, easier FIR filing, and independent oversight mechanisms in colleges |
FAQs: Answers You Should Know
1. Who is the victim and what happened?
The victim is B.Ed second-year student Soumyashree Bisi, who set herself on fire after her sexual harassment complaint against the college’s HOD was ignored.
2. Who is accused and what allegations are made?
HOD Sameer Ranjan Sahoo is accused of persistent sexual harassment and coercion. He allegedly threatened to punish her academically if she resisted his advances.
3. Why didn't the college help her?
Despite lodging an ICC complaint and protest, the internal inquiry process dragged on. Students have alleged that the ICC lacked autonomy and acted to protect the accused.
4. What does the POSH Act require?
Under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, institutions must conclude an internal inquiry within 90 days, maintain confidentiality, and take corrective action. Failure to do so is a violation.
5. How did the police react?
Police initially told her to wait for the ICC, but following media outrage and her self-immolation attempt, the accused was arrested, and a formal investigation began.
6. What is her current medical status?
Soumyashree has 90% third-degree burn injuries. She remains in a critical condition under a specialized burn care team at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
7. What has the state government done?
Education Minister Suraj visited her; both Principal and HOD have been suspended. A state-level inquiry has been initiated, with actions expected soon.
8. Are similar incidents common?
Tragically, yes. Earlier in 2025, two other Odisha students—including Prakriti Lamsal and a Class 12 girl—died by suicide following harassment and institutional neglect.
9. What systemic issues are highlighted?
Delays in ICC processes, lack of independent oversight, absence of student support systems, and inadequate mental healthcare resources emerge as critical failure areas.
10. What reforms are being proposed?
Experts call for independent ICCs, mandatory POSH training, strict timelines, mental health counseling, helpline support, and transparent complaint-tracking mechanisms.
The Broader Significance
This tragedy is not just a campus event—it’s symptomatic of systemic apathy. When harassment complaints spiral into life-threatening crises, the core issue lies in institutional disregard. The emotional toll on students due to unaddressed grievances cannot be overstated. A credible, survivor-centric system is no longer optional—it must be mandatory.
What to Watch Moving Forward
- Medical bulletins on Soumyashree’s prognosis to determine if she survives this critical stage
- Probe committee’s interim report (30-day timeframe) that may propose regulatory fixes
- Legal proceedings setting precedent under POSH Act and IPC accountability for institutional negligence
- Public response, including student protests and civil society watchdog interventions
Final Take
This is a deeply disturbing event revealing a structural failure in handling sexual harassment on educational campuses. Only time and transparent action will determine whether this crisis becomes a catalyst for change or a forgotten headline. Educational institutions and regulatory bodies must act swiftly to restore trust, safety, and accountability.
Report by Toofan Express