Naveen Seeks Governor’s Intervention in FM College Self-Immolation Case

Bhubaneswar, July 13: Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik has called for the urgent intervention of Governor Raghubar Das in the deeply disturbing case of self-immolation by a young woman student of FM Autonomous College, Balasore.

Describing the incident as “shocking and deeply distressing,” Patnaik took to social media platform X to express concern over the state of higher education institutions and the systemic failure in ensuring justice. The victim, a second-year B.Ed student, identified as Soumyashree Bisi, is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 90% burn injuries after allegedly setting herself on fire in front of the college principal’s office on July 12.

Patnaik stated that the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of Fakir Mohan University, must ensure swift and effective justice in the matter. He alleged that the student was subjected to prolonged mental and sexual harassment by Assistant Professor Samira Kumar Sahoo and had made repeated appeals to various authorities, including the college principal, Higher Education Minister, Union Minister, and even the Chief Minister, but received no response.

In one of her earlier letters to the college authorities, the student revealed that she had attempted suicide in the past and had been living in constant fear and psychological distress. Her final appeal came on July 1, when she posted her ordeal on social media, tagging senior officials. With no response or action taken, she resorted to the drastic step on Friday.

The Odisha government has since suspended the accused faculty member and announced that it will bear the full cost of Soumyashree’s medical treatment. Accommodation for her family has also been arranged at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The Higher Education Department has sent an official communication to AIIMS requesting full support for her care.

An expert committee has been constituted at AIIMS to monitor and oversee her treatment, with the option to include other faculty or departments to provide comprehensive care.

“This tragic incident lays bare the reality that the girl was denied justice, despite repeatedly voicing her grievances,” Patnaik said, praying for her speedy recovery and demanding that the justice she “so desperately sought” must be delivered without delay.

The incident has sparked outrage across the state, with student bodies, civil society groups, and opposition leaders demanding stringent action and institutional reforms to prevent such cases in the future.