Odisha CM Visits AIIMS After Student's Self-Immolation Bid Over Harassment

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, on Sunday visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, to meet a young woman who had attempted self-immolation on Saturday after allegedly facing sexual harassment by a senior faculty member at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore.

The student, Soumayasree Bisi — enrolled in an integrated Bachelor of Education course — reportedly set herself on fire on Saturday afternoon after college authorities allegedly dismissed her complaint against the head of the education department, Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, and threatened her with legal action for “defaming” the institution.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at the local airport here following a visit to New Delhi, Chief Minister Majhi assured stringent action against all those found responsible.

“The state government has taken this matter very seriously. Some immediate actions have already been initiated, and based on the findings of the ongoing investigation, the strictest possible measures will follow against all those involved,” he said.

Prior to the Chief Minister’s visit, State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryabanshi also met the victim, who remains in critical condition, and reviewed the treatment being administered by an eight-member team of specialists. The government has announced that Soumayasree’s treatment will be provided entirely free of cost.

Victim Battling for Life

According to AIIMS Bhubaneswar Director Dr Ashutosh Biswas, the 22-year-old has suffered 90 to 95 per cent burn injuries, many of them deep and life-threatening. She remains on advanced life support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with her condition described as “extremely critical”.

“She has sustained severe burns affecting almost her entire body. Several of her internal organs, including the kidneys, have suffered grave damage. Her respiratory and renal functions are severely compromised. The next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial in determining her chances of survival,” Dr Biswas said.

He added that a multidisciplinary team of specialists from critical care, surgery, nephrology, and pulmonology is monitoring her condition around the clock. However, due to the extent of her injuries and internal organ damage, airlifting her to another facility has been ruled out.

Medical authorities also highlighted the heightened risk of infection and multi-organ failure, given the extensive skin and respiratory tract damage. Emergency resuscitative care was administered en route when she was shifted from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital to AIIMS Bhubaneswar shortly after the incident.

Accused Taken Into Custody, Political Protests Erupt

Meanwhile, the accused faculty member, Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, and the college principal, Dillip Kumar Ghosh, have been suspended by the Higher Education Department. Sahadebkhunta police in Balasore have taken Sahoo into custody and registered a case under appropriate sections of the penal law.

The incident has triggered sharp political reactions across the state. The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress youth wings staged demonstrations in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, accusing the ruling BJP government of failing to ensure safety for female students in educational institutions.

“This shocking incident reflects the government’s apathy towards women’s safety on campuses. The culprits must be brought to justice swiftly, and systemic changes are needed to make educational spaces secure for young women,” said BJD leader Devi Ranjan Tripathy while addressing protestors.

Congress youth leaders echoed similar concerns, demanding exemplary punishment for those involved and stronger mechanisms for addressing harassment complaints in academic settings.

Government Pledges Institutional Action

In response to mounting public outrage, the Higher Education Department has ordered an inquiry into the functioning of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College and directed all government and aided higher educational institutions in the state to review and strengthen their internal complaints mechanisms.

“This is a wake-up call for us all. No student should ever be made to suffer for seeking justice,” CM Majhi remarked, reiterating his government’s commitment to women’s safety and institutional accountability.Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi (left) and Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.