A Young Life Lost and a State in Turmoil
The state of Odisha has been rocked by grief and outrage following the death of 20-year-old Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. On July 12, Soumyashree set herself ablaze, reportedly after months of alleged sexual and mental harassment by a college professor. She succumbed to her injuries two days later at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, sparking widespread protests, political turmoil, and calls for justice across the state.
Her death has not only ignited public anger but also triggered a fierce political showdown, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) taking to the streets to demand accountability from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
Tense Standoff at Lok Seva Bhawan
On July 16, the heart of Bhubaneswar turned into a battleground as BJD workers attempted to gherao Lok Seva Bhawan, the administrative headquarters of the Odisha government. The protest, led by senior party leaders, demanded a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting High Court judge into Soumyashree’s death and the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
When BJD workers tried to breach police barricades, security forces responded with teargas shelling to control the agitated crowd. Over 100 workers, including women protestors, were detained. BJD leaders Pratiti Ranjan Ghadei and Bobby Das reportedly sustained injuries during the clash.
Balasore Bandh Brings District to a Halt
Simultaneously, Balasore district observed a total shutdown as part of BJD’s statewide protest. From 6 AM to 2 PM, life came to a standstill. Roads were blocked, shops and educational institutions shut, and public transport severely disrupted.
National Highway 16 saw massive traffic jams as BJD MLA Madhab Das and others blocked key sections. Trains passing through Balasore station were halted, stranding passengers. Demonstrators accused the administration of ignoring Soumyashree’s repeated pleas for justice and failing to act against the accused professor. "After failing to get justice despite repeated pleas, Soumyashree took the extreme step. Neither the police nor the ministers responded," said a protester. "We will not stop until those responsible are punished."
Political Voices Join the Chorus for Justice
The protest gained national traction after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached out to Soumyashree’s father. Speaking to him over the phone, Gandhi expressed sorrow and solidarity.
“In his voice, I felt his daughter’s pain, dreams, and struggle,” Gandhi tweeted.
“What happened is inhuman and shameful. The Congress Party and I stand with the family and will ensure they receive full justice.”
Other political groups, including the Left parties, have also condemned the incident and joined calls for a transparent and time-bound investigation.
UGC Steps In: Fact-Finding Mission Launched
In response to growing public and political pressure, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has constituted a four-member fact-finding committee to probe the incident. Headed by Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, the team includes education experts and UGC officials.
The committee’s scope includes:
· Assessing the college’s compliance with UGC’s anti-sexual harassment guidelines
· Reviewing existing grievance redressal systems
· Evaluating student support frameworks
· Recommending ways to create a safer campus environment
The committee has been instructed to submit its report within seven days, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
Systemic Failures and an Urgent Wake-Up Call
Soumyashree’s death has laid bare the systemic failures in safeguarding students — particularly young women — in India’s higher education institutions. Her case reveals deep flaws in how complaints of harassment are handled and how institutions respond to victims in distress.
Despite reaching out for help, Soumyashree found no institutional support. Her cry for justice went unheard by authorities at multiple levels — the college, the local police, and even the state government. In the absence of a timely response, she took the unimaginable step of ending her life, forcing the entire state to reckon with its apathy.
Beyond Outrage — Towards Action
The protests, the shutdowns, and the rising political heat all point to one truth: Soumyashree’s death must not become just another headline. Her story is not only about one individual’s tragic end but a societal failure to protect, listen, and act.
Justice must not stop at the punishment of one individual; it must lead to systemic reform. From college campuses to state assemblies, from the UGC to the Chief Minister’s office — accountability must be demanded and delivered.
The question remains: Will this outrage lead to lasting change — or fade into silence, as so many others have? The answer will define not just Soumyashree’s legacy, but the future safety of thousands of students across the nation.
(With agency inputs)
