Rahul Gandhi Stands with Family of Deceased B.Ed Student in Balasore: A Call for Justice

Support for the Grieving Family

In Balasore, senior Congress figure Rahul Gandhi reached out to the father of a female B.Ed student from FM Autonomous College, who tragically passed away due to severe burn injuries while receiving treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. Gandhi expressed his condolences and promised unwavering support to the family.

On his social media platform, he stated, "I spoke with the father of the courageous daughter who lost her life in her quest for justice in Balasore, Odisha. I could feel her pain, aspirations, and struggles in his voice. I assured him that both the Congress Party and I will stand by them at every step. This incident is not only inhumane and disgraceful but also a deep wound to our society. We will do everything possible to ensure that the victim's family receives complete justice."

Previously, Gandhi criticized the ruling BJP government in the state, claiming that the student’s death was a result of systemic failures, equating it to murder by the BJP's administration.

He emphasized that the brave student had spoken out against sexual harassment, yet instead of receiving justice, she faced threats, torment, and humiliation.

Earlier, Congress leaders in Odisha had met with the victim's family. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das, along with other senior leaders, visited Balasore on Tuesday night to offer their condolences to the grieving family of the late student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College.

During their visit, Das expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved family, pledging the party's support in their pursuit of justice.

The Congress party, along with seven other allied parties, has declared a statewide Odisha Bandh on July 17, demanding justice for Soumyashree.

The 20-year-old B.Ed student was hospitalized at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, after attempting self-immolation on Saturday due to alleged sexual harassment by Samir Kumar Sahu, the Head of the Department at FM Autonomous College, Balasore.

The victim, who sustained over 90% burn injuries, succumbed to her injuries on Monday night.

This incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with opposition parties holding the college authorities and the state BJP government accountable for their negligence and lack of action.

The opposition BJD is conducting a 'Balasore Bandh' from 6 AM to 2 PM on Wednesday, demanding justice for the student. The party has also announced plans to stage a gherao at the Lok Seva Bhavan (State Secretariat) in Bhubaneswar on the same day.