FM College Internal Complaints Committee Breaks Silence Over Student Suicide

ICC Had Urged Principal to Replace HOD

After the tragic suicide of FM College student Soumyashree Bisi, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has revealed its findings.

According to the report, Soumyashree had filed allegations of sexual harassment and mental trauma against faculty member Samir Sahu.

Based on complaints from Soumyashree and several other students, the committee recommended the removal of Samir Sahu from his position as Head of Department (HOD). The committee noted that Soumyashree may have experienced mental trauma, which contributed to her suicide, as the chairman failed to take any action on the matter. On the 30th, Soumyashree was barred from taking her fourth-semester exam by the accused HOD, Samir Sahu. In response, she filed a complaint of mental and sexual harassment against him.

The chairman formed an internal complaints committee on July 1 to investigate the situation. The investigation began on July 3, and the committee submitted its report to the chairman around 9 PM on July 9. As part of the investigation, the committee questioned other students in her class regarding the mental harassment complaint filed by Soumyashree. Other students corroborated her experiences, objecting to the HOD’s rigid disciplinary measures. For instance, if the class was even slightly late, he would make students stand outside the classroom for 45 minutes.

While there was no direct evidence supporting the sexual harassment allegations made by Soumyashree, the committee recommended the HOD’s immediate removal due to the negative feedback from most students regarding his strict approach. Additionally, the committee advised Professor Samir Sahu to modify his behaviour and adapt his teaching methods to better align with the students’ needs. However, no action was taken by the chairman, which the committee members suggested may have further traumatised Soumyashree.

Following public and media outcry, the Odisha government has suspended both Samir Sahu and the college principal. A high-level committee has also been formed to investigate deeper into administrative accountability and student protection.

This case continues to stir intense discussions around mental well-being, faculty conduct, and grievance redressal mechanisms in educational institutions across the state.