The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formed a four-member fact-finding committee to investigate the self-immolation and subsequent death of a student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore district, Odisha. The tragic incident involves Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old Integrated B.Ed. student, who allegedly attempted self-immolation on July 12 due to sustained harassment by Samira Kumar Sahu, the Head of the Department of Education.

Soumyashree Bisi succumbed to her injuries late last night after being rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with severe burns. Prior to the incident, she had staged a sit-in protest near the college, demanding action against Sahu, but reportedly received no response from the college authorities despite filing a formal complaint. She then attempted self-immolation in front of the college principal's chamber.

The UGC's fact-finding committee is tasked with assessing the situation, evaluating the college's compliance with regulatory provisions, and recommending preventive measures. The panel includes Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and UGC member as the chairman, Prof. Sushma Yadav, former UGC Commission Member, Dr. Neerja Gupta, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, and Dr. Ashima Singh, Joint Secretary of UGC, serving as the coordinating officer. The committee is expected to submit a detailed report with its findings and recommendations within seven days.

Following the incident, the Odisha police arrested Samira Kumar Sahu under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including abetment to suicide and sexual harassment. The College Principal was also arrested, and both officials have been suspended from their positions.

The incident has sparked public outrage and demands for accountability. Political reactions have also emerged, with the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) launching an eight-member fact-finding panel to investigate the incident. Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik voiced his concern, stating that the incident revealed the denial of justice to the student. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that the college authorities ignored the student's harassment complaint.

The state government has made arrangements to potentially airlift the victim to Delhi if required, highlighting the severity of her condition. AIIMS Bhubaneswar Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas stated that doctors would be consulted in Delhi regarding the future course of treatment for the victim.

The UGC's intervention underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Soumyashree Bisi's death. The fact-finding committee's report is expected to provide insights into the systemic failures that may have contributed to the tragedy and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.