Balasore: Odisha Crime Branch Director General Vinaytosh Mishra on Sunday assured that a thorough and impartial investigation is underway into the tragic death of 20-year-old Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, who succumbed to severe burn injuries following a self-immolation attempt on campus.
Speaking to media persons in Balasore, DG Mishra stated that multiple angles are being investigated.
“As of now, several witnesses have been identified. The victim had submitted a written complaint to the college authorities on June 30, alleging harassment. The institution initiated internal procedures, but no concrete outcome emerged. This could have led to the incident,” he said.
The Crime Branch has begun recording statements from a wide range of individuals including the victim’s family members, friends, hostel mates, students from other departments, and college faculty. Mishra confirmed that all possible eyewitness accounts are being verified to establish a factual narrative.
“Evidence has been collected from the spot and several CCTV footages from inside and around the campus have been retrieved. These footages are undergoing scientific analysis and will be sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) for expert examination,” he added.
The top official pointed out discrepancies between statements made by individuals on social media and those recorded before police or internal committees.
“Many are making different claims online compared to their official statements. This is being closely investigated. Our analysis of digital and forensic evidence will help us reach a fair conclusion,” he said.
The Crime Branch team is currently stationed in Balasore and is expected to remain there for several more days.
“Only after we receive the forensic reports and assess eyewitness statements will we form a final opinion. I assure everyone that no innocent person will be wrongly implicated. This is a sensitive matter, and our investigation will be fair and transparent,” Mishra said.
He also clarified that the victim had not filed any police complaint prior to the incident.
The case has shocked the state, following the death of Soumyashree Bisi, a second-year student of the integrated BA B.Ed. programme. On July 12, Bisi allegedly poured petrol on herself and attempted self-immolation in front of the principal’s chamber, accusing Head of Department Samir Kumar Sahu of sexual harassment.
She sustained over 95% burn injuries and was initially admitted to Balasore District Headquarter Hospital before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she passed away on July 15 while undergoing treatment in the ICU.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage and calls for justice, with student groups and civil society demanding a high-level probe and strict action against those responsible.
