A sombre cloud hung over the village of Palasia on Tuesday morning as the mortal remains of 20-year-old FM College student Soumyashree were consigned to flames following her tragic death by self-immolation.
The cremation took place amidst emotional scenes, with family, friends, and villagers tearfully bidding farewell to the young student who dared to protest institutional indifference to her allegations of sexual harassment.
According to sources, Soumyashree had repeatedly reported misconduct by the Head of the Education Department at Fakir Mohan College, but her complaints allegedly fell on deaf ears. In a desperate act of protest, she set herself ablaze near the Principal’s office last Saturday.
Despite swift efforts by fellow students who rushed her to Balasore hospital and later to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, she succumbed to her injuries late Monday night after suffering burns over 90% of her body.
Her death has ignited statewide outrage, drawing sharp criticism of the college’s response and sparking calls for urgent reforms in campus safety and grievance redressal systems. Political leaders, activists, and student groups are demanding justice, with many announcing demonstrations, including an Odisha Bandh on July 17.
Soumyashree’s courage and tragic demise have become a rallying point for voices across Odisha demanding safer and more accountable institutions.
