Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has intensified its protest against the Odisha government over the death of Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore, who died after attempting self-immolation following alleged harassment.

Senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra today informed that a candlelight rally will be held this evening, while the party will gherao the Lok Seva Bhawan tomorrow.

"Soumyashree had gone from door to door for justice for six months, but no one listened. She ended her life out of despair. This is heartbreaking and unacceptable," said Mishra.

The regional party is demanding a judicial probe into the matter by a sitting High Court judge. It has also sought the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, holding them morally accountable for the tragic incident.

“Who gave her the petrol? Who was recording videos at the time? Who were present in the principal’s chamber during the incident? Until a judicial probe is ordered, our fight will continue,” said senior BJD leader Sanjay Das Burma, demanding an apology from the government.

BJD leader Pratap Jena quoted a recent statement by the US administration highlighting women’s safety concerns in Odisha. “The law and order situation has deteriorated. Crimes like rape and murder have increased, and even female college students are unsafe on campuses,” he said. Jena demanded strong action against everyone responsible, starting from the Chief Minister to the Balasore MLA and the Superintendent of Police.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Pradesh Youth Congress members staged a protest near Ram Mandir Square in Bhubaneswar today. They burnt effigies of Chief Minister Majhi and Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, accusing them of failing to ensure justice for the student.

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Soumyashree, a B.Ed student, had attempted self-immolation on the college campus on July 12, alleging sexual harassment by the Head of the Department (HoD), Samir Kumar Sahu. She poured petrol on herself and set herself ablaze in front of the principal's chamber, reportedly after being distressed over inaction on her complaint against Sahu.

She suffered over 90 per cent burn injuries and was first rushed to Balasore Medical College before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. Despite intensive medical efforts, including mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, she was declared dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.

Before her extreme step, Soumyashree had staged a sit-in protest near the college, demanding action against Sahu. She was upset over the administration’s alleged inaction despite her formal complaint.

Sahu has been arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police following an FIR lodged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 108 (abetment to suicide) and Section 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment).