Soumyashree Bisi was a student of FM College whose tragic death has sparked a shutdown and widespread protest, find out more about her and her death below
Soumyashree’s death has rocked the campus and the entire state, prompting an immediate response from both college authorities and the government.
Who is Soumyashree Bisi as FM College, Odisha student dies after setting herself on fire due to being s*xually harassed by Education HoD Samir Kumar Sahu
Soumyashree Bisi’s suffering should shake us. Her death must not be in vain.
A young student from #FMCollege, #Balasore cried out for help but was met with silence, apathy, and power-protected predators.#JusticeForHer #StopInstitutionalViolence #BalasoreTragedy #FMCollege pic.twitter.com/2Rgq4ObcMr
— Anushree Dash (@TheAnushreeDash) July 14, 2025
BREAKING: Somyashri Bishi, a student of FM Autonomous College, has just died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
She set herself on fire after alleging repeated sexual harassment, mental torture, and blackmail by her HoD Samir Sahu, demanding sexual favours to clear her backlogs.
She was… pic.twitter.com/k4Dw0TFCcl
— ABVP (@ABVPVoice) July 14, 2025
As leaders and students call for justice, the college and government have also taken swift action to address the crisis.
Soumyashree Bisi’s death sparks a full college shutdown
Somyashri Bishi, who is a student at FM Autonomous College, has died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, prompting widespread backlash and reactions. Following her tragic death, FM College has fully shut down all operations for the day. The college suspended classes and third-phase admissions, leaving many hopeful students disappointed.
The college’s new principal Firoz Kumar Padhi came out and assured the public that the college would soon announce fresh admission dates. Authorities have also called an emergency high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, while several key officials, like the Deputy Chief Ministers, the Revenue Minister, and senior department secretaries, gathered to evaluate safety protocols and institutional accountability measures. Odisha CM Mohan Majhi even sanctioned a ₹20 lakh compensation aid to Soumyashree’s family.
Cause of death
As of now, the authorities have not yet released a confirmed official cause of death for Soumyashree Bisi. However, early reports suggest that she set herself on fire after alleging repeated s*xual harassment, mental torture, and blackmail by her HoD, Samir Kumar Sahu. Sahu was reportedly demanding s*xual favors in exchange for her to clear her backlogs. Investigations are currently ongoing, and authorities have reportedly arrested the professor, indicating the seriousness of the allegations.
The final rites of Soumyashree Bisi, the 20-year-old B.Ed student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College who succumbed to severe burn injuries with her suffering 95% burns following a tragic self-immolation attempt, were performed on Tuesday at her native village Palasuni in Bhograi tehsil of Balasore district.
Soumyashree, who had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after allegedly setting herself ablaze on campus in protest against s*xual harassment by Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu, breathed her last late Monday night after being admitted on 12 June.
Was praying for Soumyashree Bisi’s recovery.
Sad to learn that she is no more.
Om Shanti🙏A young life has been burned & snuffed out by the system.
Despite her attempts to reach out, she received no support & felt helpless.
Strict action needed🙏#JusticeForSoumyashreeBisi https://t.co/MeoDpWM5FR pic.twitter.com/y3h8RUU9IR
— Anita Sabat – ଡ. ଅନୀତା ସାବତ (@anitaexplorer) July 15, 2025
Soumyashree Bisi biography and age
Soumyashree Bisi was a bright and promising student who was enrolled at FM College in Balsore. Soumyashree Bisi came from a humble, middle-class family in Odisha, with her sudden death devastating her loved ones. She was a young woman in her early college years and was a second year integrated B.Ed student. Bisi’s untimely death cut short her personal dreams and also left a lasting impact on her peers and educators.
Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, died after setting herself on fire.
“I appeal to the government to ensure the harshest punishment for those who did this to her,” said Balaram Bisi, Soumyashree’s father after she passed away in AIIMS on 14 June, 2025.
Good news is that CBFC saved Indian culture by deleting a 33 sec kissing scene from the new Superman movie. Nation is Saved. 🤩
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Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore, Odhisha.Asst prof Samir Kumar Sahu, HOD of Edu Dept asked her some special favour or – I'll tank… pic.twitter.com/k1SEDuZ2W3
— RAHUL (@RahulSeeker) July 13, 2025
Assistant professor Samir Kumar Sahu heading the education department in Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore district was arrested after Soumyashree’s self immolation while college principal Dilip Ghosh was suspended.
“The girl (Soumyashree) had tagged Odisha CM, Union Education Minister, and State Education Minister in an appeal for justice. She had also sought the assistance of the local BJP MP. None responded to her. All of them are responsible for her death and should resign immediately,” said BJD MLA and leader Byomkesh Ray.
Sexual harassment complaint ignored student sets herself on fire inside Odisha college campus.
Accused HOD "Samir Kumar Sahu" has been arrested and the principal suspended.
She is B.Ed. second-year student, and 90% of her body was burned. pic.twitter.com/iTdC9mWo2r
— هارون خان (@iamharunkhan) July 12, 2025
Education
Soumyashree Bisi was a B.Ed student at FM College in Balasore, Odisha, at the time of her death. Bisi’s professors and classmates described her as a sincere student who actively participated in both studies and extracurriculars.