Balasore College Student Dies After Self-Immolation, Sparks Outrage and Condolences

A 20-year-old female student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore district, identified as Soumyashree, succumbed to severe burn injuries late Monday night after battling for life for over 60 hours. The girl had set herself on fire on Sunday, reportedly following harassment by college faculty members.

60-Hour Struggle Ends in Tragedy

Soumyashree had allegedly doused herself in kerosene and immolated herself around noon on July 12. She was first rushed to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to the severity of her injuries. Medical experts had declared her condition critical from the beginning, with 95% burn injuries that had severely impacted her vital organs.

Despite receiving intensive care from a 10-member team of doctors in coordination with AIIMS Delhi, her condition worsened. Her respiratory system, heart, and kidneys began to fail, and she was declared clinically dead at approximately 11:30 p.m. Her family, who had been by her side throughout, broke down upon hearing the news. The hospital corridors echoed with the cries of grieving relatives.

Official Reactions and Condolences

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and shared his condolences on social media. In a tweet, he stated:

“I am pained to hear the news of the demise of the girl student. Despite all our efforts and constant support to the doctors, we could not save her life. I offer my prayers to the student’s soul and hope that her family members find the strength to cope with this irreversible loss. Lord Jagannath, please give strength to the family members. All those involved in the incident will face the maximum punishment as per law. I have already directed the officials to take up the legal action.”

Odisha Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati also mourned the death and emphasized the importance of campus safety:

“The tragic death of a female student of Fakir Mohan College, Balasore, by self-immolation is a grim reminder to all of us to keep campus safe for students. Persons responsible for this deplorable incident will be punished by law to the maximum extent. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”

Probe Underway, Public Anger Mounts

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the state, especially among students and civil society groups. Many have demanded swift justice and strict action against those responsible. The Balasore police have launched an investigation into the case, and statements are being recorded from college authorities, staff, and eyewitnesses.

As the probe unfolds, the tragic loss of Soumyashree has reignited discussions on student safety, campus harassment, and institutional accountability in Odisha’s educational institutions.