Bhubaneswar: In a major development in the tragic self-immolation case involving FM College student Soumyashree Bisi, the Odisha Crime Branch has officially taken over the investigation. The case, which had sparked statewide outrage and demands for a thorough probe, was earlier registered at Sahadevkhunta police station in Balasore district.
According to an official order issued by the Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW & CW) of Odisha Police, DSP Iman Kalyan Nayak, posted at CAW & CW, Bhubaneswar, has been assigned as the Investigating Officer (IO) in the case. He will be supported by Inspector Panchali Rout, who has been designated to assist in the probe.
In accordance with Rule 431(C) of the Odisha Police Manual Rules, DSP Nayak has been granted the authority to function as Officer-in-Charge of Sahadevkhunta police station during the course of the investigation. The case has now been officially re-registered under CAW & CW PS Case No. 05/2025, and will be handled under the relevant sections of the law.
The order was issued by Vinaytosh Mishra, Director General of Police, CID-Crime Branch, Odisha, in response to the public outcry and the need for an impartial, high-level investigation into the disturbing incident.
Soumyashree Bisi, a second-year Integrated B.Ed student of FM College, allegedly attempted self-immolation outside the principal’s chamber on July 12 and later succumbed to her injuries. The act is believed to have been triggered by her dissatisfaction with the findings of the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which reportedly gave a clean chit to an accused faculty member.
The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the handling of sexual harassment complaints in educational institutions and the support systems in place for students.
The Crime Branch’s involvement is expected to ensure a more thorough and transparent investigation, with officials stating that all angles of the case—including the college administration’s response and the ICC proceedings—will be scrutinised.
