In a highly disturbing case from Odisha, 20-year-old student Soumyashree Bisi lost her life after self-immolating on the campus of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. Her extreme action was said to be an extreme measure following inaction over her repeated pleas regarding sexual harassment by a senior faculty member.
Repeated Pleas for Help Ignored
As per reports, Soumyashree has lodged a number of complaints of sexual harassment against the Head of the Education Department. She had gone to the authorities of the college and even the police, expecting justice. Nothing was done in spite of her efforts. Her family says she also puts up posts on social media sites, tagging officials at the top level and requesting them to step in—but to no avail.
The Tragic Incident
On July 12, Soumyashree had allegedly come to the college with a bottle of kerosene. In front of the principal’s office, she immolated herself in the presence of students and staff. She got more than 90% burns and was straight away taken to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Despite the doctors’ prompt treatment, she died two days later on July 14.
Rapid Response Post Her Death
After her death, political pressure and outrage among the public compelled the authorities to act quickly. The college principal was suspended and the suspected professor arrested. The Odisha government also issued a formal inquiry into the case, including how the school dealt with the initial harassment complaint.
Public and Political Reaction
The case set off protests and severe criticism by opposition parties and women’s rights organizations. The National Commission for Women (NCW) was quite perturbed and asked for a full report. Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wanted a high court-level judicial inquiry, terming the case an instance of system failure in addressing harassment complaints.
A Call for Reform
The horrific case has also brought forth serious questions regarding how harassment complaints are processed in institutions of learning. Activists and student unions have called for stronger safeguarding mechanisms, quicker reparation of grievances, and accountability from law enforcers and colleges.
Soumyashree’s killing has served as a harsh reminder of how delay and apathy in dealing with allegations of harassment can yield such irreversible results.
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