Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday visited the burn unit of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, where Soumyashree Bisi, a second-year girl student of integrated BEd at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore is battling for life after self-immolation.
The President proceeded to the special burn unit soon after gracing the convocation ceremony of AIIMS Bhubaneswar. She was accompanied by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The President, who is on a two-day visit to Odisha, reportedly held discussions with the AIIMS authorities here and also interacted with family members of the victim. She enquired about the health parameters of the student and reviewed the medical interventions arranged for the recovery of the burn-patient.
While interacting with the 20-year-old student’s parents, Murmu expressed concern over the girl’s suffering and wished her speedy recovery. She urged the family members to have patience during the distress.
“The President met the family members of the victim and assured them that the best possible treatment is being provided. We are using advanced medical technology and her condition was explained in detail to the President,” AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr Ashutosh Biswas, told the media.
Earlier in the day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan AIIMS Bhubaneswar and met the family members of Soumyashree.
Dharmendra made it clear that justice will be served and no one involved in the incident will be spared. He condemned the incident as “deeply unfortunate and highly disturbing,” stating that it reflects a grave failure in the academic ecosystem.
The state government, he said, has already initiated disciplinary and legal proceedings, and more stringent actions will follow. Preliminary action has been taken in the case, and the police are actively probing the matter, he said, adding that whoever is responsible — whether in uniform or position — will not be spared.
Soumyashree, who attempted self-immolation by setting herself ablaze on July 12 over alleged harassment by a faculty member of the college, is now battling for life at the premier health institute in the city here.
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The B.Ed student allegedly attempted self-immolation in front of the principal’s chamber on July 12 due to continuous sexual harassment by a teacher. She sustained over 90 per cent burn injuries in the incident.
