Bhubaneswar, July 15: The mortal remains of 20-year-old Soumyashree Bisi, a B.Ed. (Integrated) second-year student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, were consigned to flames on Tuesday at her native village Palasia in Bhograi block. A wave of sorrow engulfed the village as grieving family members, relatives, and villagers gathered to bid her a tearful farewell.

Soumyashree had attempted self-immolation on July 12 on her college campus, reportedly near the Principal’s office, in protest against alleged prolonged sexual harassment by the Head of the Education Department. Despite repeated complaints, she received no action or justice, leading her to take the extreme step. Described as a desperate act of protest, her condition turned critical, with over 90% burn injuries.

She was first admitted to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she succumbed to her injuries after nearly 60 hours of struggle late Monday night.

Her death has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha. Student groups, civil society organisations, and political leaders are demanding stringent action against the accused, accountability from the college administration, and urgent reforms in campus grievance redressal mechanisms.

Palasia village now mourns a life lost too soon, with calls for justice growing louder.

Powered by Froala Editor