FM College student still critical at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar; family seeks justice and prayers

Bhubaneswar, July 14: There has been no improvement in the condition of Soumyashree Bisi, the 20-year-old undergraduate student who attempted self-immolation outside the principal’s office of FM Autonomous College in Balasore. She remains on ventilator support with 98% oxygen at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, her father, Balaram Bisi, said on Monday.

Soumyashree has sustained 90–95% burns, with serious damage to her kidneys, lungs, and respiratory system. Her treatment is being managed in coordination with specialists from AIIMS Delhi. Her father has appealed to the people of Odisha to pray for her recovery, saying, “I couldn’t even recognise her today. The next 72 hours are crucial.”

Bisi expressed deep disappointment over the role of college principal Dilip Ghosh, who he claims promised action against the accused faculty member but failed to deliver. “We trusted him. My daughter took this drastic step right after leaving his office,” he said.

Soumyashree, a second-year Integrated B.Ed. student, had accused Sameer Sahu, head of the B.Ed. department, of sexual harassment. Despite filing a complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee, no firm action was taken. She had also alleged academic threats and pressure in exchange for inappropriate demands.