Bhubaneswar, July 13: The health condition of a 20-year-old college student, who immolated herself over an alleged sexual harassment incident in Odisha's Balasore district, remained critical, with doctors at AIIMS Bhubaneswar starting her dialysis as part of the initiation of renal replacement therapy, doctors said on Sunday.

Doctors at AIIMS Bhubaneswar have confirmed that she sustained 95% burn injuries, with severe damage to her kidneys and lungs. Her health condition remains critical, and dialysis has been initiated as part of renal replacement therapy after consultation with AIIMS Delhi. She is currently under ventilator support with a dangerously high heartbeat rate of 180 bpm.

AIIMS Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas stated that a multi-specialty medical team, including experts from critical care, nephrology, pulmonology, and surgery, is monitoring the patient around the clock. A 10-member medical committee has been formed to coordinate her treatment.

Notably, Soumyashree Bisi, a second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, continues to battle for life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The student, who allegedly suffered sexual and mental harassment at the hands of her Head of Department, set herself ablaze on Saturday, demanding justice.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the hospital, announcing that the government is exploring the option of airlifting the student once her condition stabilizes. He assured that she is receiving medical attention on par with the nation’s top institutes.

Following the incident, the Odisha Higher Education Department suspended the college principal for failing to uphold administrative responsibilities. The accused HoD of the Education department, Samira Kumar Sahu, was arrested by Balasore police on Saturday.

The incident has sparked outrage, drawing attention to the need for improved grievance redressal systems and stronger safeguards for students facing harassment.

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