A 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, is in critical condition after allegedly setting herself on fire outside the college campus. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2025, and has sparked widespread outrage and political controversy. The student, identified as Soumyashree Bisi, is currently receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 95% burn injuries. She is on ventilator support.

Soumyashree had accused the Head of Department (HOD), Samir Kumar Sahu, of sexual and mental harassment. She alleged that he had been demanding sexual favors and threatening to sabotage her career if she did not comply. According to reports, she had been facing harassment for six months. The student had created an account on X (formerly Twitter) in June and, on July 1, posted a copy of her complaint to the college's internal complaints committee (ICC), along with a photo of a meeting, an image of the accused teacher, and a highlighted excerpt stating, "If I don't get justice, I will commit suicide". She tagged government officials and student union members in her post.

Prior to the extreme step, Soumyashree reportedly warned college authorities that she would end her life if no action was taken against the faculty member. On July 1, she allegedly poured petrol on herself outside the principal's chamber and set herself ablaze. A fellow student who attempted to save her also sustained serious burn injuries. Some reports indicate he suffered 70% burns.

The college principal, Dilip Kumar Khosh, stated that an internal committee was formed to investigate the initial complaint, but the incident occurred before the committee could submit its report. Khosh and the accused HOD, Samir Kumar Sahu, have been suspended by the Odisha Higher Education Department. Police have arrested Samir Kumar Sahu and produced him before the court.

The incident has triggered a massive political controversy in Odisha. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik alleged a systemic denial of justice, while the Congress accused the BJP government of failing to protect women. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and demanded a report within three days. The NCW has directed the Director-General of Police, Odisha, to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation and to take strict action against the accused. Odisha's Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has assured strict action. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, to inquire about the student's treatment and meet her family members.

Police are investigating the alleged financial coercion, the role of other faculty members, and a possible administrative cover-up. The Women and Children Wing of the Crime Branch of Odisha Police has also taken up the case suo motu and started an investigation.