Bhubaneswar: The National Commission for Women has taken cognisance of the incident of Balasore's Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College student Soumyashree Bisi's attempt to immolate herself and sought an Action Taken Report from the concerned authorities within three days.

The commission also directed the Odisha DGP to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation, take strict action against the accused, and extend all necessary medical and psychological support to the victim free of cost.

"The National Commission for Women has taken cognisance of a deeply disturbing report from Odisha, where a 20-year-old student of a government college in Balasore allegedly set herself ablaze after facing sexual harassment and academic threats by the Head of Department. The student, currently in critical condition with 90% burns, has been shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Chairperson Ms. Vijaya Rahatkar has strongly condemned the incident and directed the DGP Odisha to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation, take strict action against the accused, and extend all necessary medical and psychological support to the victim free of cost. An Action Taken Report must be submitted to the Commission within 3 days," the commission said in a statement.

Soumyashree Bisi, a second-year integrated BEd student, set herself ablaze after pouring petrol on herself in front of the college gate on Saturday. The student with severe burn wounds was rushed to Balasore Medical College, but was later shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, for advanced treatment.

Prior to the self-immolation bid, Soumyashree had staged a sit-in protest near the college campus demanding action against Samir Sahu, HoD of the BEd department, for allegedly misbehaving with her. She was very upset as no action was taken against the HoD by the college authorities despite her lodging a formal complaint against Sahu.

Following the incident, the principal of the college, Dillip Kumar Ghosh, and Sahu were placed under suspension by the Odisha Higher Education Department.

The Sahadevkhunta Police also swung into action and arrested Sahu.