Student's Self-Immolation Ignites Outcry Over Alleged Harassment and Institutional Failure in Odisha
BALASORE, Odisha – The tragic death of Somyashri Bishi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who died by self-immolation on July 14, 2025, has sent shockwaves across the nation, exposing a disturbing narrative of alleged sexual harassment and profound institutional apathy. Bishi's desperate act came after her repeated complaints of sexual harassment against her Head of Department, Samir Kumar Sahu, were reportedly ignored, even after appeals to college authorities and prominent political figures.
The incident has swiftly escalated into a national debate, highlighting systemic failures within educational institutions and raising serious questions about accountability and media coverage.
Evidence emerging from social media and local reports paints a grim picture of institutional complicity. It is alleged that the college's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) not only cleared Sahu of the charges but also pressured Somyashri to withdraw her complaint. This alleged pattern of inadequate institutional response resonates with findings from a 2021 study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, which reported that a staggering 60% of sexual harassment cases in Indian colleges face insufficient action due to factors like bias or corruption.
The tragedy has sparked immense outrage, particularly concerning the perceived silence of major news outlets in the initial aftermath. Critics have drawn attention to what they describe as media bias, speculating on possible links to political affiliations, especially as Odisha's ruling BJP government faces intensified scrutiny. The stark contrast between the alleged inaction prior to Bishi's death and the rapid response – including arrests and inquiries – only after her tragic passing, has further fueled public anger and skepticism.
Somyashri Bishi's death has become a grim symbol of the uphill battle many victims of sexual harassment face within academic environments. As the nation grapples with the implications of this heartbreaking case, calls for comprehensive reforms in institutional complaint mechanisms and greater transparency in handling such sensitive matters are growing louder, demanding justice for Somyashri and protection for countless others.
