Bhubaneswar-Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, after returning from the national capital, visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday to personally check on the condition of Soumyashree Bisi, the Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student who attempted self-immolation in protest against alleged sexual harassment and administrative apathy.
Speaking to reporters after the hospital visit, CM Majhi assured that the critically injured student is receiving top-tier medical attention. “The treatment being provided here is on par with AIIMS Delhi standards. A special medical team has been assigned exclusively for her care, and virtual consultations with AIIMS Delhi experts are scheduled for today,” he said.
He added that if necessary, and once her condition stabilizes, arrangements will be made to shift her to AIIMS New Delhi via air ambulance for further treatment. During his visit, the Chief Minister also interacted with the victim’s family and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully support them through the crisis.
The Chief Minister reiterated that a three-member inquiry panel has already been set up by the Higher Education Department to look into the allegations against the college’s Head of Department (HOD), Samir Sahu. “Strict action will follow based on the findings of the committee. We are committed to ensuring that such painful incidents are not repeated in Odisha’s educational institutions,” Majhi stated.
Meanwhile, political tensions escalated as Leader of Opposition and BJD President Naveen Patnaik condemned the state government’s handling of the situation. He accused the administration of failing to act despite multiple complaints from the student to both college authorities and the police. Patnaik also appealed to Governor Ganeshi Lal to ensure timely justice for the victim.
Amid growing anger, members of the Biju Janata Dal’s student wing staged a protest at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister. The protest soon turned tense as demonstrators clashed with police forces deployed at the site.
This incident has cast a grim spotlight on the urgent need for institutional accountability and better grievance redressal mechanisms in Odisha’s academic environment. As Soumyashree continues her battle for life in the ICU, the call for justice—both medical and moral—grows louder across the state.
