Odisha Health Minister Assures Best Treatment for Student Injured in Balasore Tragedy

Bhubaneswar: In the aftermath of the tragic self-immolation incident at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has assured that all necessary medical support is being provided to Jyotiprakash Biswal, a student who sustained serious burn injuries while attempting to rescue his fellow student Soumyashree Bisi.

Soumyashree, a 20-year-old B.Ed student, had attempted self-immolation on the college premises last week, protesting alleged inaction on her complaint of sexual harassment by a faculty member. Despite receiving intensive treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, she succumbed to her injuries late on Monday night, sparking statewide outrage and demands for justice.

Jyotiprakash, who heroically tried to save her during the horrifying moment, is currently undergoing treatment at the Burn Unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Minister Mahaling stated that he had personally spoken to Jyotiprakash’s mother to inquire about her son’s condition and offer emotional support to the family.

“The government is committed to ensuring that Jyotiprakash receives the best possible treatment. Special instructions have been given to the medical team at SCB to provide focused care. I pray to the Almighty for his speedy recovery,” the minister wrote.

The incident has ignited widespread public concern about student safety and institutional accountability in educational spaces. It has also raised urgent questions about how complaints of harassment and mental health crises are handled by college administrations in Odisha.

Authorities have already arrested the accused faculty member and the college principal, while multiple political parties and student groups continue to demand a deeper probe and long-term reforms to ensure the protection and well-being of students.