Bhubaneswar: Amid the political firestorm over the tragic death of a student in Odisha, the grieving family on Tuesday expressed faith in the government and its justice system.
Soumyashree Bisi, who resorted to self-immolation while seeking justice for alleged sexual harassment, succumbed to burns at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar late on Monday.
Following her last rites at their native village in Balasore this morning, her father, Balaram Bisi, said: “Sir (the Chief Minister) sent me an SMS and assured me of a proper investigation. I have faith in the government, administration, and the rule of law. Without trust in the system, what’s left?”
He expressed gratitude for the government’s support during his daughter’s treatment. “She was provided with the best medical care at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. The doctors and staff were extremely supportive. I am deeply thankful.”
Holding back his tears, he pleaded with the people of the state not to politicise the tragedy. “My daughter is gone. I beg everyone—please don’t use her for political gain. Some of our demands have been fulfilled, and we have received assurances for the rest. I am emotionally drained, but will keep fighting for her justice till the end,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the bereaved family. He also directed officers concerned to conduct a proper investigation into the incident so that all guilty are punished in accordance with the law, according to a statement issued by the CMO.
In a post on X, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said: “Despite all efforts and prayers, we lost the student. In the meantime, the process of imposing the strictest punishment under a zero-tolerance policy against the guilty has begun. We are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future. What happened should not have happened. I am at a loss for words to condemn such an incident. May the Lord grant courage and strength to the family.”
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Following Soumyashree’s self-immolation bid, the state government suspended and arrested both the accused HoD, Samira Kumar Sahu, and Principal Dilip Ghosh. A three-member inquiry committee headed by Director of Higher Education Kali Prasanna Mohapatra is also probing the matter.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) and NHRC have taken cognizance of the case.
On June 30, Soumyashree filed a complaint with the internal complaints committee (ICC) against her department head for alleged sexual harassment. She had previously reported the incident to the principal. After submitting the complaint to the ICC, she shared the complaint letters and related details on her X account on July 1, tagging several government authorities, but received no response.
“This incident is unprecedented. On 2nd July, this girl and a few of her friends came to me. Soon after, I spoke to the college principal and SP. The SP said police have asked the college to file an FIR. I also asked them (Police & College authorities) to file an FIR. The principal said that he was dealing with this case internally, and a decision will be made within a week. I had even requested the HoD to be sent on leave. I got information that she had attempted suicide before…Within 12 hours, the college principal and professor were suspended. Those raising questions are only trying to mislead…,” said Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi.