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Odisha News: College Principal Arrested After Student Sets Herself on Fire in Balasore
BALASORE, ODISHA, JUL 13 – The student suffered 90-95% burns after alleging prolonged sexual harassment by the Head of Department, prompting arrests, suspensions, and a high-level inquiry by Odisha authorities.
- On Saturday, July 12, 2025, a 20-year-old second-year integrated B.Ed student named Soumyashri Bisi from Fakir Mohan College in Balasore immolated herself outside the principal’s office, allegedly in response to harassment by a faculty member.
- The student alleged that the head of the education department, assistant professor Samir Kumar Sahu, subjected her to sexual harassment and threatened to fail her, despite her multiple complaints that were ignored.
- She suffered 90% burns, was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition, and images of her self-immolation went viral, prompting wide public and political reactions.
- Sahu was taken into custody, Principal Dilip Ghosh was suspended, and Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar condemned the incident, instructing the Odisha Police Director General to conduct a fair and prompt investigation while ensuring the victim receives free healthcare and mental health assistance.
- Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the Governor to intervene to ensure justice for the student and emphasized the need for systemic changes in grievance handling.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Balasore sexual harassment case: Student succumbs to injuries after self-immolation, Odisha CM vows action
A 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha's Balasore, who attempted self-immolation after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment, has died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar. The Department of Burn Centre, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said in a statement that the patient was brought to the casualty on July 12 and was referred from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.…
Odisha news: College principal arrested after student sets herself on fire in Balasore
The principal of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, was suspended on Saturday after the B.Ed student attempted suicide by setting herself on fire, alleging inaction over her complaint against her professor, who sexually harassed her
"95% Body Damaged": Father Of Odisha Student "Can't Recognise Daughter"
The father of the 22-year-old student who set herself on fire in front of her college in Odisha's Balasore district has said his daughter is in a critical condition and has suffered burns so severe that he is unable to recognise her.
Odisha Student's Tragic Self-Immolation Sparks Outcry for Justice
A college student in Balasore, Odisha, sets herself on fire after facing alleged sexual harassment, prompting Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik to seek intervention for justice. Despite her pleas for help, no action was taken, leading to this tragic incident.
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