Balasore: The suspended Principal of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, Balasore, Dilip Ghosh, was arrested on Monday by Sahadevkhunta police in connection with the tragic self-immolation attempt of a 20-year-old B.Ed student, Soumyashree Bisi. The student, who set herself on fire on the college premises on July 12, is battling for life with 95% burns at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Ghosh’s arrest follows mounting allegations of gross negligence in addressing sexual harassment complaints made by Bisi against Samir Kumar Sahu, Head of the Education Department.
Sources said the student had formally filed a complaint with the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on June 30, detailing instances of harassment and academic intimidation by Sahu, particularly concerning attendance.
Although the ICC submitted its report by July 9, no disciplinary action was taken against Sahu, sources added.
Sahu remained in his post until July 12, when he was arrested under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including abetment to suicide. He has since been remanded to judicial custody.
The Higher Education Department has suspended both Ghosh and Sahu following the incident on Saturday.
According to Bisi’s family, the college authorities failed to act despite repeated appeals, and her mental distress was visible in her public protests and appeals. In the days leading up to her attempt, Bisi staged a sit-in outside the college and posted urgent messages on the social media platform X, tagging senior officials — including the Chief Minister, Higher Education Minister, Balasore MP, SP, and Collector — warning of suicide if her complaint remained unaddressed.
Her father said in an emotional statement to the media, “The college failed my daughter. The harassment and inaction pushed her to this extreme.”
The Higher Education Department has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the college administration’s handling of the case.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded a detailed report from the state government within three days. Meanwhile, social activists have filed petitions with the National Human Rights Commission, seeking justice and compensation for the victim’s family.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar and assured advanced medical care for Bisi and strict action against those responsible.
The incident has triggered statewide protests, with opposition parties including the BJD and Congress demanding immediate accountability in the matter.
