The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has accused the Odisha state government of failing to protect a female B.Ed. student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who attempted suicide by self-immolation, after her sexual harassment complaint was ignored.
The student, Soumyashree Biswal, alleged harassment by Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu, who reportedly threatened her academic record. Despite her complaint to the college’s internal committee on June 30, 2025, no action was taken, pushing her to seek help from the police and Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi, who admitted meeting her but allegedly failed to act.
BJD spokesperson Ipsita Sahu, at a press conference in Shankha Bhawan, criticised the college principal, Dilip Ghosh, for dismissing the complaint and shielding the accused. The BJD demands Ghosh’s arrest and a thorough investigation, arguing his inaction forced the student to take extreme measures. Soumyashree, a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), is now battling 90% burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, alongside two male students injured while saving her. The Odisha Higher Education Department has suspended Ghosh and Sahu, with the latter arrested as investigations continue.
The BJD highlighted the state’s failure to ensure women’s safety, referencing a recent gang-rape at Gopalpur beach. “If an ABVP member isn’t safe, how can ordinary students expect justice?” Sahu questioned.
A BJD delegation, including former minister Snehangini Chhuria and Mayor Sulochana Das, visited AIIMS to support the victim’s family, pledging to fight for justice.
The incident has sparked outrage, with the BJD accusing the BJP-led government of systemic negligence in protecting women and students, raising questions about accountability and safety in Odisha’s educational institutions.
