FM student cremated amid tears and protest

Bhograi: A 20-year-old female student of FM (Autonomous) College here who succumbed to her burn injuries after immolating herself, over alleged sexual harassment by a professor, was consigned to flames at her native Palasia village under this block in Balasore district Tuesday as thousands mourned her loss with tears and sorrow.

The deceased, a second-year Integrated BEd student, was pronounced dead early Tuesday by authorities at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar.

The young woman became a symbol of resistance before succumbing in her battle, reportedly following a long ordeal.

The body was shifted to her native village under tight security from Bhubaneswar. Around 8:30 am the ambulance carrying her remains arrived at the Bhograi police station square, where thousands had gathered, including political leaders, students, women’s groups, and various student organisations, to pay their final respect.

Amid the sombre atmosphere, police had put in place extensive security measures. However, the arrival of the ambulance sparked a moment of tension.

As the vehicle did not stop at the expected location, BJD legislator Goutam Buddha Das and several other party leaders tried to halt it.

Hundreds of BJD supporters also rushed towards the ambulance, blocked its path and staged a sit-in protest.

They shouted anti-government slogans, creating a chaotic scene, before being quelled by the police. Family members, villagers, and well-wishers bid farewell to the brave student with heavy hearts, marking the end of a struggle that resonated far beyond her hometown.

A tense atmosphere prevailed as police and administrative officials tactfully transported the body of the deceased student in the ambulance to her native Palasia village.

As the vehicle arrived, wails of grief from family members and villagers cast a pall of sorrow across the area. Leaders from both the BJD and the BJP arrived to pay their respects.

BJD MLAs, including the Bhograi legislator Goutam Buddha Das, offered floral tributes. BJP MP from Balasore, Pratap Chandra Sarangi, along with three party MLAs, also paid homage to the departed with flower garlands.

Following strict directions from the district administration to maintain law and order, the body was swiftly taken to the village cremation ground within a short span of time.

More than 10,000 mourners gathered, chanting emotional slogans like “Soumyashree Amar Rahe” (Long live Soumyashree).

The cremation was conducted under tight security, with a cordon formed around the area. The girl’s younger brother performed the last rites by lighting the funeral pyre.

A large number of dignitaries and public representatives gathered to express condolences over the death of the student in Bhograi.

Among those present were Balasore District Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas, Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad, Additional SP Debjyoti Das, Sub-Collectors Sudhakar Nayak, Hemant Singh, Madhusmita Samantaray, Bhograi BDO, tehsildar, and local IIC.

Sadar MLA Manas Dutta, Remuna MLA and Government Chief Whip Gobind Das, Nilagiri MLA Santosh Kumar Khatua, Bhograi panchayat samiti chairperson Prabir Kumar Giri, BJP leaders Ashish Kumar Patra and Anshuman Mohanty, Congress leaders Meenarani Sura and Santosh Kumar Jena were also in attendance. Leaders from the women’s outfit, DSO leaders, as well as several teachers, professors, and intellectuals, also joined the gathering.

MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi assured that a high-level inquiry would be conducted and stern action taken against those found guilty.

PNN

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