Balasore: A pall of gloom descended as body of Soumyashree Bisi, the 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore who had attempted self-immolation over alleged harassment, reached her native village in the district's Bhograi block today. 

The final rites were carried out at the cremation ground in Palasia village amid tight security in the presence of the district administration. Family members and locals were seen gathering in large numbers to bid an emotional farewell as Soumyashree's mortal remains were consigned to flames. Police platoons were beefed up in the area to prevent any law and order situation as a wave of grief and outrage gripped people attending the cremation. 

MP Pratap Sarangi who was present, addressed mediapersons and said the government is leaving no stone unturned to give justice to the victim's family. 

"Be it Mamita Meher or Itishree Pradhan or Chhabi Rani gang rape and murder, was justice served to them when the BJD and Congress were in power? People of Odisha have not forgotten what has happened in the past and the then ruling government's response. The BJP government not just immediately swung into action, CM Mohan Majhi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh to the bereaved family. The first response was to ensure the victim's best medical treatment which was done. The investigation was ordered and carried out simultaneously and within a day on the basis of the interim report, the college principal was arrested," he added. 

Meanwhile, Balasore SP Raj Prasad said separate investigation teams have been formed to probe the case from all angles. The government will also consider long-term policies to prevent similar incidents in future. 

A candelight march will also be held across the State to honour Soumyashree and pray for her soul. 

Soumyashree, a B.Ed student Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College, had attempted self-immolation ver alleged sexual harassment by the HoD of her discipline. She had been rushed to Balasore Medical College with over 90 per cent burn injuries and later shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar where she succumbed during treatment last night.