Bhubaneswar: The death of 20-year-old Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore who succumbed to burn injuries following a self-immolation attempt, has triggered widespread grief and political reactions across Odisha.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar during the student’s treatment, has met the victim’s family twice and assured strict action against those responsible. An ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh has been sanctioned from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Senior ministers and the Deputy Chief Minister also monitored the treatment arrangements. President Droupadi Murmu, during her recent Odisha visit, met the victim and interacted with her family.
“The state government is committed to ensuring justice. Action will not be limited to the HoD or principal; anyone found guilty of negligence or harassment will be investigated,” said BJP State Vice President Biranchi Narayan Tripathi.
Tripathi hit out at the opposition, accusing the BJD and Congress of politicising the incident.
“Instead of showing empathy, they are maligning the student’s character on social media and insulting the grieving family,” he alleged, adding that such acts would not be forgiven by the people.
He also criticised the BJD’s protest in Bhubaneswar, calling it poorly attended and politically motivated.
“Despite 24 years in power and tall claims of world-class healthcare, BJD leaders prefer private hospitals today,” he remarked.
Citing past cases such as Itishree, Mamita, and Smitarani, Tripathi questioned the BJD’s record on women’s safety.
“Even during the Kunduli case, the former CM celebrated awards while the victim’s family was allegedly pressured into silence,” he said.
Calling the opposition’s protests a “farce,” Tripathi reiterated that the BJP government would not tolerate violence against women and is working to prevent such tragedies in future.
