Balasore: After the death of FM Autonomous College student Soumyashree Bisi who had set herself ablaze on the campus in Odisha’s Balasore, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) which looked into her allegation of harassment by a faculty member has revealed its findings.
As per the findings of the committee, the second year B.Ed student had made allegations of sexual harassment and mental trauma against head of the department (HOD) Samira Sahu.
Based on complaints from Soumyashree and several other students, the panel had recommended the removal of Samira Sahu from his position as HOD. The ICC noted that Soumyashree may have gone through mental trauma, which contributed to her self-immolation, as the authorities failed to take any action on the matter.
Soumyashree was barred from taking her fourth-semester examination on June 30 by the accused HOD. In response, she filed a complaint of mental and sexual harassment against him.
The authorities formed an internal complaints committee on July 1 to investigate the matter and the probe began on July 3, and the panel submitted its report on July 9. As part of the investigation, the committee questioned other students in her class regarding the mental harassment complaint filed by Soumyashree. Other students corroborated her experiences, objecting to the HOD’s arbitrary disciplinary measures. For instance, if the class was even slightly late, he would make students stand outside the classroom for 45 minutes.
While there was no direct evidence supporting the sexual harassment allegations made by Soumyashree, the committee recommended the HOD’s immediate removal due to the negative feedback from most students regarding his strict approach. Additionally, the committee advised Professor Samira Sahu to modify his behaviour and teaching methods to better align with the students’ needs. However, no action was taken by the college authorities, which the committee members suggested may have further traumatised Soumyashree.
Following public outcry after the 20-year-old female student set herself ablaze on July 12, the Odisha government has suspended both Samir Sahu and the college principal. Both were subsequently arrested by the police in connection with the incident.
Soumyashree, who had sustained over 90 per cent burn injuries, breathed her last on Monday night while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar