Odisha Government Suspends Principal, HOD After Student’s Self-Immolation Bid

Bhubaneswar : In the wake of a shocking self-immolation attempt by a B.Ed. student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, the Odisha Government has suspended college Principal Dilip Kumar Ghose and Head of the Education Department Samira Kumar Sahu for gross negligence in handling harassment complaints.

Soumyashree, the victim, sustained 90% burns and remains critical at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. She reportedly took the extreme step in front of the principal’s office after repeated harassment by Sahu and administrative inaction.

Sahu has since been arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited the hospital and announced a high-level probe led by the department’s Director.

Despite several complaints and protests, no substantial action had been taken earlier. The incident has sparked public outrage, with students and civil society groups demanding strict accountability.