Governor Assures Strictest Action in Soumyashree Bisi Death Case

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Tuesday assured the “toughest course of law” against those responsible for the death of 20-year-old Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who succumbed to severe burn injuries late Monday night at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Taking to social media platform X, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for urgent reforms to ensure campus safety.

“Shattered to learn of the untimely loss of a young student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Her passing is not just a tragedy—it is a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard our campuses. The law will take its toughest course. Those responsible will face uncompromising punishment,” he wrote, offering condolences to the grieving family.

Soumyashree, a second-year student of the Integrated B.Ed. programme, had attempted self-immolation on July 12 in front of the college principal’s chamber. The act was reportedly in protest against alleged sexual harassment by the Head of her department, Samir Kumar Sahu.

She was initially rushed to Balasore Medical College with critical burn injuries and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. Despite all efforts, she was declared dead late on July 15.

The case has triggered widespread outrage across the state. Police have arrested Samir Kumar Sahu under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 108 (abetment of suicide) and Section 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment).

Additionally, the college principal, Dilip Ghosh—who was earlier suspended—was arrested on Monday for his alleged involvement and negligence in the case.

The Governor’s strong statement adds to growing pressure on the state government to act decisively. Protests and candlelight marches demanding justice continue to intensify, as public anger mounts over the administration’s failure to respond to Soumyashree’s earlier complaints.