In a swift and coordinated move, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has assembled a multidisciplinary expert panel to oversee the intensive care of Soumyasree Bisi, a second-year integrated B.Ed. student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore, who sustained 90–95% burn injuries after a self-immolation attempt on campus.
The incident occurred when Bisi, protesting alleged harassment by her Head of Department, Samir Kumar Sahu, poured petrol on herself and set herself ablaze in front of the principal’s chamber. The shocking act followed days of inaction by college authorities despite her formal complaint.
Originally admitted to Balasore MCH, she was moved to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for specialised treatment. Her condition remains critical with damage to her lungs and kidneys. She’s currently on ventilator support in the ICU.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar has formed a high-level committee comprising specialists who will release medical updates twice daily. The expert committee includes Prof. Jayant Mitra – Department of Anaesthesia, Prof. Manoj Panigrahi – Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr Sanjay Giri – Additional Professor, Burn and Plastic Surgery (Member Secretary), Dr Shantanu Subba – Associate Professor, Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dr Sandip Panda – Associate Professor, Nephrology, Dr Debishree Das – Assistant Professor, Anesthesia, Dr Mahalingam – Nursing Superintendent-I and Priyadarshini Sahoo – Assistant Nursing Superintendent (ANS).
The Odisha Higher Education Department has suspended both the accused HoD and the college principal. The Sahadevkhunta Police has arrested Sahu, and a three-member committee has been launched to investigate the harassment claims.
The harrowing incident has sparked discussions about accountability in educational institutions and the need for robust grievance redressal mechanisms.
