Naveen Grieves Demise of FM College Student; Calls It “Systemic Failure and Government Apathy”

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik today expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic death of the 20-year-old B.Ed. student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, Soumyashree Bisi, who was undergoing treatment at AIIMS following a prolonged battle for justice.

The student passed away on Monday night at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, days after self-immolating on campus following alleged sexual harassment and a prolonged, unheeded quest for justice.

In a scathing social media statement, the BJD President squarely blamed the BJP for systemic failures that he claimed resulted in the student’s death.

Calling it a grim reminder of systemic collapse, he remarked, “It is disturbing that such a failed system can claim a life. This was not a mere accident—it was the result of a machinery that remained silent when it should have helped. She died not just of physical trauma but due to the deafening silence and indifference of the state government that left her to fight alone.”

Naveen praised the courage of the victim, stating that despite facing sexual assault, she had the strength to write to her college principal and later approached the Higher Education Minister, Chief Minister’s Office, and even a Union Minister in pursuit of justice. She also personally met the MP from Balasore, sharing her ordeal.

“She showed exceptional courage, but not a single authority took timely action. Had anyone in power intervened with responsibility, perhaps her life could have been saved,” Naveen said.

He said, “This is not just an administrative lapse—it is a betrayal of institutional trust and a calculated injustice.”

The BJD supremo urged the Governor of Odisha to ensure that not only the college administration but also individuals in power who ignored the victim’s repeated appeals are held accountable.