Balasore: The Odisha Crime Branch took suo motu cognizance of the recent self-immolation attempt by a female student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College and launched an inquiry into the matter.

A two-member team from the Crime Branch visited the college today as part of the investigation. Additional SP of Crime Branch, Imami Kalayani Nayak, confirmed the team met with the college principal and members of the internal committee. The probe is being closely monitored by Crime Branch IG Shyni S.

Meanwhile, the condition of the victim, identified as Soumyashree—an Integrated B.Ed. student—remains critical. She is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and has been placed on dialysis due to kidney failure, hospital sources said. Her treatment is being administered in consultation with experts from AIIMS New Delhi.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, upon his return from New Delhi, visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to assess Soumyashree’s medical condition and spoke with her family members. Majhi stated if her condition stabilises and medical experts advise it, she will be airlifted to AIIMS New Delhi for further treatment.

The Chief Minister also reiterated a three-member inquiry committee, constituted by the Higher Education Department, is already investigating the harassment allegations. “Further action will follow based on the committee’s findings,” he assured. Majhi added preventive measures would be implemented across educational institutions to avert such incidents in the future.

The shocking incident took place yesterday when Soumyashree attempted self-immolation in front of the college principal’s chamber.

She had reportedly been facing prolonged harassment from Samira Kumar Sahu, the Head of the Department of Education. Sahu allegedly made inappropriate demands, issued threats, and warned her of academic consequences if she did not comply.

Despite multiple complaints lodged with the college principal and local police, no meaningful action was taken, according to reports. Her repeated pleas for justice were allegedly ignored, leading her to take the extreme step.

In the aftermath, the Higher Education Department suspended both Principal Dilip Ghose and HOD Samira Kumar Sahu. Sahu was subsequently arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police.