Odisha: Last Rites of Soumyashree Bisi Performed Amid Outpouring of Grief

Balasore: The final rites of Soumyashree Bisi, the 20-year-old B.Ed student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College who succumbed to severe burn injuries 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 sexual harassment by Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu, breathed her last late Monday night.

Her body was brought to her village under tight security and a police cordon, and kept at her residence for public homage before being taken to the cremation ground for the last rites, as per reports.

Hundreds of mourners, including villagers, local officials, and police personnel, gathered to bid her a tearful farewell.

The incident has sparked outrage across the state and triggered political and social backlash.

Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik expressed deep sorrow over Soumyashree’s death and accused the BJP-led state government of systemic apathy.

Calling the incident a grim reminder of a broken system, the BJD has announced a candlelight vigil on Tuesday evening and a gherao of Lok Seva Bhawan on July 16 as a mark of protest.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh for Soumyashree’s family and directed authorities to ensure that all those responsible for her death are brought to justice.

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