Bhubaneswar: The State Government has suspended the Principal of FM Autonomous College and Head of the Department of Educational Studies in connection with the self-immolation bid by a college student on the campus.
The Higher Education Department issued a separate notification in this regard. Principal Dillip Ghosh and HOD Samira Kumar Sahu have been placed under suspension. The Principal has been suspended for not handling the matter properly.
“As Dilip Ghosh failed to perform his duties in the capacity of the Principal of the College, he is hereby placed under suspension,” the notification issued by the Higher Education Department read.
Another notification stated that due to the unfortunate incident that happened at F.M. (Auto) College, Balasore on 12.07.2025, and based on the prima facie evidence of the matter, Sri Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor (Stage-I) in Educational Studies, F.M. (Auto.) College, Balasore, is hereby placed under suspension.
Somashree Biswal allegedly set herself ablaze in protest against the alleged misbehaviour by a lecturer of Fakir Mohan College on Saturday. Biswal, a second-year Integrated B.Ed student, had been protesting against the alleged misbehaviour by the Head of Department (HOD).
She had been sitting in a dharna on the college premises. As action was not taken against the accused lecturer, she set herself on fire. Somashree was rushed to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, where she is currently undergoing treatment. Her condition is reported to be critical.
