President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday paid an unscheduled visit to AIIMS Bhubaneswar to check on the condition of 20-year-old Soumyashree Bisi, an Integrated B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan University, who is battling for her life after allegedly setting herself on fire in protest against inaction on her sexual harassment complaint.
The President, who was in the city to attend the convocation ceremony of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, took time off her official schedule to visit the burns and plastic surgery ICU where the young student is undergoing treatment. According to officials at AIIMS, President Murmu met the medical team and was briefed about the critical condition of the student, who has suffered 90–95% burn injuries and is currently on ventilator support.
President Murmu also met with the student’s family members and spent several minutes offering her emotional support. According to her family, the President told them to keep praying to Lord Jagannath, expressing faith and hope in the girl’s recovery. “She said she would do something once the girl recovers,” the student’s brother told reporters after the visit.
The Incident: A Cry for Justice
The shocking incident occurred on July 12 when Soumyashree, a student of Fakir Mohan University in Balasore, Odisha, allegedly set herself on fire in front of the principal’s office. Before taking this extreme step, she reportedly made repeated complaints against the Head of the Education Department, Professor Samir Kumar Sahu, accusing him of demanding sexual favours in exchange for academic clearance and better treatment.
According to reports, the student first lodged a formal complaint on July 1, which she followed up with a reminder. Despite her repeated appeals, the college administration allegedly failed to take action, forcing her into desperation.
Her self-immolation act shocked the campus and drew massive public and political outrage. She was initially rushed to Balasore District Hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to the severity of her condition.
High-Level Medical Monitoring and Government Action
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas told the media that a specialist team from the burns and plastic surgery department has been formed to monitor her treatment around the clock. “She is on ventilator support, and we are doing everything possible. The next 48 hours are critical,” Dr. Biswas said.
In response to the growing public outrage, the Odisha Government suspended both the accused professor and the principal. Additionally, Professor Sahu was arrested and is currently under judicial custody. The state government has also constituted a high-level medical board to supervise the girl’s treatment, and all costs are being borne by the government.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital on Saturday and said the case would be dealt with firmly. “We are monitoring the student’s health and ensuring that the culprits are punished. This is an extremely unfortunate incident,” he said.
Political Reactions and Public Protests
The incident has taken a political turn, with opposition parties staging protests across the state. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress have both slammed the government for failing to create a safe environment in educational institutions.
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Narasimha Mishra demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and called for the resignation of the Higher Education Minister. “What was the administration doing for 11 days? Why was no FIR filed immediately after her first complaint? This is institutional negligence at its worst,” Mishra said.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has also condemned the incident and urged both the state and central government to ensure justice. Women’s rights groups, student unions, and civil society organizations have taken to the streets in Balasore and Bhubaneswar, demanding stringent laws to prevent sexual harassment on campuses.
Union Minister’s Visit and Assurance
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Saturday and met the family of the victim. Speaking to reporters, he said, “This is a heart-wrenching situation. We stand with the family and are committed to ensuring justice. No political color should be given to this issue — the focus must be on the girl’s life and delivering justice.”
He also stated that experts from AIIMS Delhi are being consulted and may be flown in if required.
President Murmu’s Personal Intervention Sends a Strong Message
President Murmu’s visit has sent a powerful message about the importance of listening to victims and holding institutions accountable. Being a daughter of Odisha herself, her direct engagement with the victim’s family added a deeply personal and symbolic layer to the gesture.
In a time when many cases of harassment go unnoticed or are buried under red tape, the President’s unexpected hospital visit underscores the severity of the matter and the urgent need for reforms in institutional handling of harassment complaints.
Current Status
As of Monday morning, the student remains on ventilator support with her condition described as “extremely critical.” Doctors say they are trying advanced therapies, but recovery chances are low due to the extent of the burns.
Her family, meanwhile, has appealed for prayers and justice. “We want the people responsible to be punished. But right now, we just want her to live,” her father said, holding back tears outside the hospital.
Tags: President Droupadi Murmu, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Soumyashree Bisi, Odisha Student Burns Case, Sexual Harassment in Colleges, Odisha News, Mohan Charan Majhi, Dharmendra Pradhan, AIIMS Bhubaneswar ICU, Women Safety India
