Bhubaneswar: A 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, who had attempted self-immolation on campus over alleged sexual harassment, died late Monday night at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
The deceased, identified as Soumyashree Bisi, a second-year student of the integrated B.Ed. programme, had suffered over 95% burn injuries and was undergoing treatment in the Burns ICU.
“Patient, Ms.Somyashree Bisi, 20 years/F, was brought to casualty on 12/07/25 at 5:15 PM, (brought by and informed by Jyoti Rekha Bhuyan, patient’s friend) referred from DHH, Balasore to AIIMS Bhubaneswar where she was admitted to the Burns Centre ICU. 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 Burns ICU, she could not be revived and was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on 14/07/25,” AIIMS Bhubaneswar said in a bulletin.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief and said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College. Despite the best efforts of doctors and the government, we could not save her. I pray to Lord Jagannath to give strength to her family in this difficult time.”
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj also expressed deep sorrow and said he was “deeply pained” by the incident.
On July 12, Bisi allegedly poured petrol and set herself ablaze in front of the principal’s chamber, accusing the Head of her department Samir Kumar Sahu, of sexual harassment. She was first taken to Balasore Medical College and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Following the incident, Sahadevkhunta Police arrested Samir Kumar Sahu under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 108 (abetment of suicide) and 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment).
On Monday, the suspended Principal of the college Dilip Ghosh, was also arrested in connection with the incident.
