Bhubaneswar: BJD president Naveen Patnaik has held the Odisha government responsible for the death of Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore, who attempted self-immolation over alleged harassment and later succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

"She did not lose her life solely due to physical trauma but also because of the negligence of the state government, which left her alone in her struggle. The entire sequence of events reveals that this is nothing less than institutional betrayal—a planned injustice," said Patnaik in a statement on social media.

"It is even more disturbing to think how a failed system can take someone's life. The most painful part is that this was not an accident, but rather the result of a system that remained silent instead of helping. Struggling for justice, the girl ultimately closed her eyes," the Leader of Opposition said.

Patnaik criticised the authorities who didn't take any action despite the student meeting them and apprising them about her plight.

"With great courage, she had written to the college principal, informing them about the sexual harassment she had faced. Even after being ignored by the college authorities, she did not give up. To seek justice, she reached out to the Higher Education Minister, the Chief Minister’s office, and even a Union Minister. She also personally met the Balasore MP to share her plight. If even one person had taken responsibility and intervened personally, perhaps the girl’s life could have been saved," said Patnaik.

He urged the Odisha Governor to ensure that not only the college authorities but also those in power, who failed to take any action despite the victim’s desperate pleas, are held accountable.

Soumyashree, a B.Ed student, had attempted self-immolation on the college campus on July 12, alleging sexual harassment by the Head of the Department (HoD), Samir Kumar Sahu. She poured petrol on herself and set herself ablaze in front of the principal's chamber, reportedly after being distressed over inaction on her complaint against Sahu.

She suffered over 90 per cent burn injuries and was first rushed to Balasore Medical College before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. Despite intensive medical efforts, including mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, she was declared dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.

Before her extreme step, Soumyashree had staged a sit-in protest near the college, demanding action against Sahu. She was upset over the administration’s alleged inaction despite her formal complaint.

Sahu has been arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police following an FIR lodged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 108 (abetment to suicide) and Section 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment).