Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has extended heartfelt support to student Jyotiprakash Biswal, who was gravely injured while trying to rescue fellow student Soumyashree Bisi at FM college, Balasore.
Soumyashree, who reportedly attempted self-immolation last week in protest over alleged inaction regarding her harassment complaint, succumbed to her injuries late Monday night while being treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Her death has triggered widespread outrage and demands for accountability across educational institutions.
Jyotiprakash, who intervened in an effort to save Soumyashree, suffered severe burn injuries and is currently being treated at the Burn Unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Minister Mahaling, taking to the social media platform X, revealed that he had personally spoken with Jyotiprakash’s mother to offer emotional support and assure them of the government’s full commitment to his treatment.
“The government is committed to ensuring that Jyotiprakash receives the best possible treatment. Special instructions have been given to the medical team at SCB to provide focused care,” Mahaling wrote.
The incident has reignited conversations around student safety, institutional accountability, and the handling of harassment and mental health grievances within academic environments. The tragic circumstances continue to draw attention from both civil society and political leaders, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in campus grievance mechanisms.
