Internal Committee Finds FM College HOD Guilty of Mental Harassment in Soumyashree Case

Balasore: The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) probing the allegations made by Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old B.Ed student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, has concluded that Head of Department (HoD) Samir Kumar Sahu was guilty of mental harassment. However, the committee found no direct evidence of sexual harassment against the accused.

HOD Recommended for Removal Over Harsh Behaviour

According to committee member Minati Sethy, the ICC had recommended Sahu’s removal from the HoD post based on findings of unprofessional conduct, mental trauma caused to students, and repeated humiliation in class.

“Students confirmed that Sahu routinely made them stand outside for up to 45 minutes for being late and displayed a harsh, rude attitude,” said Sethy.

The committee advised that Sahu should change his teaching behaviour to align with students’ mental well-being.

Timeline of Events

• June 30: Soumyashree was barred from appearing for her 4th-semester exam by HOD Sahu.
• July 1: She filed a written complaint with the college principal, alleging mental and sexual harassment.
• July 3: ICC initiated an internal probe.
• July 9 (Evening): The report was submitted to the principal with recommendation to remove Sahu from the HoD post.
• July 12: Soumyashree self-immolated on college premises.
• July 14 (Night): She succumbed to 90-95% burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Committee Blames Principal’s Inaction for Student’s Death

The committee held that inaction by the college principal, despite receiving the findings, might have significantly contributed to Soumyashree’s mental deterioration.

“She had taken the right steps—filed complaints, waited for justice. But the absence of timely action added to her trauma,” said Sethy.

The failure to act on the ICC recommendations, even after credible evidence of mental harassment, reflects poorly on the college’s internal grievance redressal mechanism, mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.

Although Soumyashree’s complaint included allegations of sexual harassment, the committee noted no conclusive or direct evidence to support this.

“We relied on peer testimonies. While mental harassment was corroborated, the claim of sexual harassment could not be substantiated during our probe,” the committee stated.

The case has triggered widespread outrage across Odisha.

• BJD’s youth wings (BYJD and BCJD) have launched statewide protests, demanding justice.
• The Crime Branch is conducting a parallel investigation.
• Both the National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women have taken cognisance.
• State authorities have directed all colleges to form ICCs within 24 hours.

The tragic death of Soumyashree Bisi has become a symbol of the urgent need for institutional accountability and student mental health awareness in Odisha’s educational spaces.

Get Latest News Live on MTIMES along with Breaking News and Top Headlines, Political News and around The World.

You May Like

Trending Searches Today |

PM Modi Sets $20 Billion Trade Target with Brazil by 2030

“India Struck Pakistan Hard and Smart”: Tharoor Praises Operation Sindoor in the US

Honeymoon Turns Tragic: Wife Sonam Arrested for Plotting Husband Murder, Meghalaya

Bridge Collapse in Vadodara: 10 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Operations Underway

Shubhanshu Shukla to PM Modi from Space: “16 Sunrises, 16 Sunsets – Earth Has No Borders”

NEET-PG 2025 to Be Held on August 3: Supreme Court Allows NBE Extension, Denies Further Delay