A 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha's Balasore, who attempted self-immolation after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment, has died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar.
The Department of Burn Centre, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said in a statement that the patient was brought to the casualty on July 12 and was referred from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. "She was admitted to the Burns Centre ICU. The patient was resuscitated with IV fluids, IV antibiotics, intubated and put on mechanical ventilation. Despite adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management, including renal replacement therapy at the Burns ICU, she could not be revived and was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14," the statement said.
Odisha CM vows action
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief and pledged strict action against the perpetrators. "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of the female student from FM Autonomous College. Despite the government's fulfillment of all responsibilities and the tireless efforts of the expert medical team, the victim's life could not be saved. I pray for the eternal peace of her departed soul and beseech Lord Jagannath to grant strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss."
The Chief Minister assured the victim’s family of unwavering support and justice. "I assure the family of the deceased student that all those guilty in this case will face the strictest punishment as per the law. For this, I have personally issued instructions to the authorities. The government stands firmly with the family."
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed condolences following her demise. In a post on X, Pradhan shared, "Hearing the news of the passing of Saumyashree Bishoi, a student under treatment in the Baleshwar Fakirmohan Autonomous College incident, I am deeply saddened and heartbroken. I pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extend my condolences to the grieving family. In this sorrowful time, may Lord Jagannath grant the family immense patience and courage. Om Shanti"
Odisha CM announces Rs 20 lakh ex gratia
CM Majhi announced ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the college student, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). He also directed officers concerned to conduct a proper investigation into the incident so that all guilty are punished in accordance with the law.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also expressed grief over the death of the student. "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," he said in a post on X.
"The law will take its toughest course. Those responsible will face uncompromising punishment. My heart goes out to the grieving family. May they find strength in this hour of unbearable pain," he added.
Balasore sexual harassment case
A 20-year-old student set herself on fire after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment by her college's Head of Department. Despite lodging a formal complaint and seeking help from the principal, her pleas were ignored, leading to the tragic incident. The incident occurred at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College.
Meanwhile, Odisha Police has arrested the Fakir Mohan College suspended principal Dilip Ghose in the Balasore self-immolation case, said officials on Monday. "FM College suspended principal Dilip Ghose has been arrested," said Balasore Police.
The incident has sparked outrage, with many demanding action against the accused and accountability from the college administration.
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