In an emotionally charged farewell, over 10,000 people gathered on Tuesday to pay their final respects to Soumyashree Bisi, the 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College who succumbed to severe burn injuries after a desperate act of protest against alleged sexual harassment. The funeral took place in her native village, Palasia, under the Bhograi block of Balasore district, amid tears, chants, and haunting silence.

A Village in Grief, a State in Outrage

The atmosphere in Palasia was one of profound sorrow as villagers, relatives, and well-wishers wept openly. Old dirges echoed as Soumyashree’s body was brought back to her ancestral home. Police ensured peaceful proceedings as dignitaries including Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Bhograi MLA Goutam Buddha Das, and Balasore Sadar MLA Manas Dutta joined the mourners in offering tributes.

Soumyashree died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar late Monday, nearly 60 hours after she was admitted with 95% burn injuries. Her self-immolation, carried out on July 12, was in protest against repeated sexual harassment by a professor and the alleged inaction of the college administration.

Naveen Patnaik: “This Was a Systemic Failure”

Opposition leader and BJD president Naveen Patnaik expressed deep sorrow over the student’s death. In a statement, he called the tragedy “a severe blow” and offered prayers for the grieving family. “This is not just an accident; it’s a systemic failure,” he said, urging that the incident be treated not as a singular lapse but a breakdown in governance and responsibility.

Patnaik acknowledged that Soumyashree had written letters detailing her ordeal to multiple authorities, including the college principal, the Higher Education Minister, and even the Chief Minister’s office. “She reached out to everyone, yet no one helped. Her death is a testament to the state’s neglect,” he said.

A Young Voice Ignored

Soumyashree had shown extraordinary courage by documenting her experiences and demanding justice. In a detailed letter to her college authorities, she explained the harassment she faced. When ignored, she escalated her appeals to the state and central governments. She even met Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi to raise her voice in person. Despite these efforts, no timely action was taken.

Patnaik pointed out the gravity of this administrative inaction: “If any one official had taken her seriously, she might still be alive. This is not just a personal loss—it’s an institutional betrayal.”

Arrests Made, But Questions Remain

Following her death, police arrested Professor Samir Kumar Sahu and college principal Dilip Ghosh under charges of abetment to suicide and sexual harassment. An official probe by the Higher Education Department is underway. However, for many, these steps feel too late to address the core issue—an unsafe educational environment and a culture of silence.

A Symbol of Resistance and a Call for Reform

Soumyashree’s death has ignited state-wide protests and renewed discussions around campus safety, student rights, and institutional accountability. While her life ended in tragedy, her story is now a rallying point for reform and justice.

In his closing remarks, Patnaik said, “May her soul find peace. May her struggle not be in vain. Om Shanti.”

The people of Odisha, still mourning, now look toward the government and educational institutions for decisive action to ensure no other student is forced to make such a desperate choice.

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