Bhubaneswar: The state government has transferred the investigation of the FM College girl self-immolation case to the Crime Branch of Odisha police.

The Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW&CW) of the Crime Branch today took over the investigation from Sahadevkhunta police in Balasore district.

Director General of Police (CID-CB) Vinaytosh Mishra has deputed CAW&CW Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Iman Kalyan Nayak to take up the probe from Sahadevkhunta police.

Inspector Panchali Rout will assist Nayak in the investigation, said the Crime Branch in a statement. The investigation will be done under the supervision of Inspector General of Police (CAW&CW) S Shyni, said Mishra.

Soumyashree Bisi, a B.Ed student of the FM Autonomous College in Balasore, had attempted self-immolation on the college campus on July 12, alleging sexual harassment by the Head of the Department (HoD), Samira Kumar Sahu. She poured petrol on her and set herself ablaze in front of the principal's chamber as the college authorities failed to address her grievances.

She suffered over 90 per cent burn injuries and was rushed to Balasore Medical College before being shifted to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. The victim succumbed to her injuries while being treated at the premier health institute on July 14.

Sahadevkhunta police in Balasore had registered a case in this regard and arrested the accused faculty member. The cops also arrested the college principal.