Bhubaneswar: The mortal remains of the 20-year-old Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College student, who succumbed to burn injuries following a self-immolation attempt, were consigned to flames on Tuesday at her native village Palasia under Bhograi block in Balasore district.
The last rites of Soumyashree Bisi were performed amidst scenes of grief and anguish, as tearful family members, relatives, and villagers bid farewell to the second-year B.Ed. (Integrated) student.
Soumyashree had set herself ablaze on the college campus on July 12, alleging prolonged sexual harassment by the Head of the Education Department and institutional inaction despite repeated complaints. The incident occurred near the Principal’s office in what she reportedly described as a desperate protest.
She was initially taken to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition with over 90% burn injuries. After battling for life for nearly 60 hours, she died late on Monday night.
Her death has triggered statewide outrage, with student bodies, civil society groups, and opposition leaders demanding swift action against the accused, accountability from the college authorities, and stronger campus grievance redressal systems.
Locals described her as a bright and courageous girl failed by the system. As her body arrived in Palasia, the village plunged into mourning, echoing with cries for justice.
