Odisha Student Dies After Self-Immolation, Sparking Outrage And Call For "Odisha Bandh"

A 20 year old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who set herself ablaze in protest over alleged sexual harassment, has tragically died after battling critical burn injuries.

Somyashree Bisi was moved to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on 12 July from the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital.

Despite intensive treatment, including mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, she was declared dead at 11:46 PM on 14 July.

“The patient was resuscitated with IV fluids, IV antibiotics, intubated and put on mechanical ventilation. Despite adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management, including renal replacement therapy at the Burns ICU, she could not be revived and was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14,” confirmed AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who personally visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to monitor her treatment, expressed deep sorrow over her passing.

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of the female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite the government’s fulfilment of all responsibilities and the tireless efforts of the expert medical team, the victim’s life could not be saved. I pray for the eternal peace of her departed soul and beseech Lord Jagannath to grant strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss,” he posted on X.

The student’s father has demanded severe punishment for the accused professor. “They had two to four complaints against the accused professor, and the college authorities asked me to wait for the internal committee report. My demand is that the culprit should be given the harshest punishment,” he told news agency ANI.

Reports indicate the harassment had continued over six months, with the professor, also the department head, allegedly threatening to fail her unless she complied with his advances.

Public anger has mounted, prompting protests from the opposition Biju Janata Dal. Authorities have since arrested both the professor implicated and the college principal, Dilip Ghose, who has been suspended with immediate effect.

At least eight political parties, including the Congress, have called for ‘Odisha bandh’ over the unfortunate death.

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