The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) expresses deep concern on the recent incident of Soumayasree Bishi, a 20 year old student studying integrated BEd at the Fakir Mohan College, one of the oldest and prestigious colleges in Odisha. She was declared dead last night, 14 July 2025. She was undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar where she was admitted with 95% burns on 12 July after self- immolation.
Six months ago, she had complained against the HOD of the English department who demanded sexual favours. But the HOD called her father and said that the girl was not studying properly and busy with social media. He threatened that she would not be able to clear her paper even within 6 years. Since she was an ABVP leader, on 30 June she wrote a tweet and letter to the principal, local BJP MLA, BJP Member of Parliament, State & Centre Higher Education Minister and others accusing a senior faculty member of sexual harassment and alleging that her complaints were ignored by the college administration. She also held a press meet.
On 1 July, the college formed an ICC (Internal Complaints Committee) and submitted a report on 7 July, disregarding her complaint as a false allegation. The principal called her on 12 July and threatened her in presence of many people including police to withdraw the case. Frustrated at not getting justice, she immolated herself, got 90% burns and died on 14 July 2025.
Our Educational Institutions are supposed to be safe spaces where students – especially young women can learn and pursue their dreams without fear. This Incident has exposed how insecure and unsafe our educational spaces still are for women. It is about a system that enables silence, hides crimes and fails to protect the victims. The accused are usually shielded by the administration.
AIDWA demands strict action be taken against the perpetrators with a section of murder and all those who tried to suppress the matter. A judicial enquiry must also be conducted.
