New Delhi: In the wake of the tragic death of Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, the University Grants Commission (UGC) set up a four-member fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Soumyashree, an Integrated B.Ed. student, succumbed to severe burn injuries late last night after attempting self-immolation on July 12, allegedly over sustained harassment by Samira Kumar Sahu, Head of the Department of Education. She had staged a sit-in protest near the college demanding action against Sahu, but reportedly received no response from the college authorities despite filing a formal complaint. She later attempted self-immolation in front of the college principal’s chamber and was rushed to Balasore Medical College before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she passed away during treatment.

In response, the UGC formed the committee to assess the situation, evaluate compliance with existing regulatory provisions, and recommend preventive measures. The panel is chaired by Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and UGC member. Other members include Prof. Sushma Yadav, former UGC Commission Member; Dr. Neerja Gupta, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University; and Dr. Ashima Singh, Joint Secretary of UGC, who also serves as the committee's coordinating officer.

The committee has been instructed to submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations within seven days.

Following the incident, the Odisha police arrested Samira Kumar Sahu under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 108 (abetment to suicide) and Section 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment). The College Principal was also arrested and both officials have been suspended from their positions.

The UGC’s move comes amid growing public outrage and demands for accountability in the wake of the student’s death.