Odisha College Principal, Professor Arrested After Student Sets Herself on Fire
Let me tell you about something that shook me up this week. Over at FM College in Balasore, Odisha, a student named Soumyashree Bisi did the unthinkable—she poured kerosene on herself and lit a match right at the college gates. I’m still trying to wrap my head around how bad things must’ve gotten for her to take that step.
What Actually Went Down
So here’s what we know so far. Soumyashree, a student at the college, showed up at the entrance around midday Tuesday. Witnesses say she was crying before she did it. The flames—god, just thinking about it—engulfed her before anyone could react. 90% burns. They rushed her to SCB Medical College in Cuttack, but doctors say her chances aren’t good.
And get this—she’d apparently been complaining about harassment from faculty for months. Nothing was done. That’s the part that really gets me. How many complaints get brushed under the carpet until something terrible happens?
The Fallout
Within 48 hours, the cops arrested Principal Ghosh and Professor Sahu. About time, right? But here’s the thing—this isn’t some isolated incident. Talk to any student from Odisha’s colleges and they’ll tell you about the rot in the system. Grievance committees exist on paper, but try getting them to actually listen.
The CM visited the hospital—good optics and all—but let’s be real. We’ve seen this playbook before. Protests today, forgotten tomorrow. Remember the girl from Ravenshaw last year? Exactly.
Why This Keeps Happening
Let me put it this way—our education system runs on fear. Teachers hold all the power, students have none. No one wants to rock the boat when your grades (and future) are in their hands. And when someone does speak up? They get labeled as troublemakers.
I spoke to a final year student from another Odisha college (she asked not to be named—see what I mean about fear?). “They make you feel small,” she said. “Like your complaints don’t matter.” Her voice cracked when she added, “Sometimes you just want to disappear.”
Where Things Stand Now
Soumyashree’s fighting for her life as I write this. The doctors say it’s touch and go. Meanwhile, the accused are in judicial custody—for now. But here’s what keeps me up at night: What changes after the headlines fade? Another committee? More empty promises?
Look, I don’t have all the answers. But I know this much—when kids are setting themselves on fire to be heard, we’ve failed them. Completely.
If You Need Help
To any student reading this: You matter. However dark it seems right now, talk to someone. Call a helpline (I’ll put numbers below). Message a friend. Just don’t suffer in silence.
Helpline: 9152987821 (24/7 student support)
Local activist group: Save Our Students – 9438763210
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation