‘This is an institutional murder’: NSUI over death of FM College student, demands judicial probe

“This is not just a tragedy. This is an institutional murder,” said the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) following the death of a 20-year-old college student of Fakir Mohan (FM) College in Balasore, Odisha, who succumbed to her burn injuries today. The deceased had allegedly been a victim of sexual harassment by a faculty member.

The student union has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the accused faculty member. It has also urged the government for an independent judicial probe into the role of college authorities and administrative cover-up.

“She cried out for help, pleaded for justice but was met with indifference and apathy. The Odisha Government, the college administration, and a system controlled by BJP-backed appointees failed her at every step. From the Chief Minister’s chair to the district administration, not a single authority acted to protect her,” the NSUI said in an official statement.

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The union further clarified that no NSUI office bearer is involved in the case. The student has filed complaints against the faculty member, but her allegations were not taken seriously. Under intense mental pressure and ignorance by the institution, she reportedly set herself ablaze. She was immediately admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar where she died from over 90% burn injuries after a few days.

“Suspension of officials and staff who ignored her repeated complaints. Accountability from the Odisha Government and BJP-backed machinery that allowed this injustice. NSUI will fight for justice for Soumyashree,” it added.

Additionally, the student union blamed the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for failing to provide assistance to the student. The NSUI claimed that the deceased was a member of the ABVP, which allegedly remained silent and did not protect her.

Today, the chief minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the FM college student. The CM has also directed the officials involved in this case to conduct a thorough investigation to punish all guilty as per the law.