Balasore: Amid deep personal loss and growing public outrage, the bereaved family of Soumyashree Bisi, the FM College student who succumbed to burn injuries, continues to place unwavering faith in the government and its justice system.

“I have faith in the government and its system. I believe my daughter will get justice,” said Soumyashree’s father, speaking to reporters after her last rites were performed. “Sir (the Chief Minister) sent me an SMS and assured me of a proper investigation. Nothing will happen if we lose faith in the government, administration, and the rule of law.”

Despite the rising uproar from opposition parties—including the BJP and Congress—who have accused the state machinery of systemic failure that allegedly drove the 20-year-old to her death, her father remains hopeful that justice will be served.

Soumyashree, an Integrated B.Ed student of Fakir Mohan (FM) College in Balasore, attempted self-immolation on July 12 outside the principal’s chamber, alleging prolonged harassment by her Head of Department and other college authorities. She suffered over 95% burn injuries and was initially admitted to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.

An eight-member panel of medical experts was formed to monitor her condition at AIIMS. Despite all efforts, she was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.

Earlier in response to self-immolation bid, the state government suspended both the accused HoD, Samira Kumar Sahoo, and Principal Dillip Kumar Ghose. The Mohan Majhi-led BJP government also constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragic act.

The committee has been tasked with examining the sequence of events, verifying the harassment allegations, and assessing the role of the college administration, including the principal and the internal complaints committee, in addressing any complaints lodged by Soumyashree.

Soumyashree’s death has triggered widespread public outrage and renewed calls for urgent reforms in grievance redressal mechanisms within Odisha’s educational institutions.