Balasore/Bhubaneswar: Following the tragic self-immolation attempt by a female student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, the Odisha Government suspended both the college Principal and the Head of the Education Department for alleged negligence in addressing harassment complaints.

The Higher Education Department placed Principal Dilip Kumar Ghose and Head of the Education Department, Samira Kumar Sahu, under suspension. Later in the day, Sahu was arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited AIIMS, Bhubaneswar to assess the condition of the student, identified as Soumyashree, who remains in critical condition after sustaining 90% burn injuries. She was initially admitted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and was later referred to AIIMS for advanced treatment.

The Minister stated that, considering the sensitivity of the case, a high-level inquiry committee under chairmanship of Director of the Higher Education has been constituted. “Further action will be taken based on the committee’s report,” he said.

Soumyashree, an Integrated B.Ed. student, allegedly attempted self-immolation in front of the principal’s chamber due to continuous harassment by the HOD and the administration’s failure to act on her complaints.

Her classmates claimed Sahu had issued threats and made inappropriate demands on multiple occasions, and allegedly warned her of academic consequences if she did not comply.

Despite filing complaints with both the principal and local police, no significant action was taken. Her repeated pleas for justice and protests against administrative apathy went unanswered.

A classmate revealed Soumyashree had met the principal just before taking the extreme step. A male student who tried to save her also sustained serious burn injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.

An acquaintance of the victim said although the college had constituted an internal committee to investigate the allegations, it failed to deliver any conclusive outcome. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and demands for swift and strict action against those responsible.