A political protest in Odisha escalated as four Student Congress activists were arrested for allegedly hurling eggs at the residence of Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in Bhubaneswar.
The protest was sparked by the tragic death of Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old Bachelor of Education student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14. The student had allegedly self-immolated on July 12 in front of the Principal’s office, protesting sexual harassment by the Head of the Education Department and the college’s reported inaction on her complaints.
Following the incident, student groups staged demonstrations demanding justice. The egg attack was described by protesters as a symbolic act of dissent against administrative apathy.
Capital Police promptly detained the four accused and produced them before the court. Officials confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the planning and motive behind the protest.
The incident has triggered political discourse across Odisha. While some political groups supported the demonstrators’ actions as expressions of public outrage, others called for restraint and urged the use of lawful channels to redress grievances.
Soumyashree’s death is being described by student organisations as a watershed moment demanding reforms in institutional grievance mechanisms and accountability in handling sexual harassment complaints.
Police sources indicated that further legal scrutiny will follow as per standard procedures, and updates on the investigation will be shared in due course.
