Odisha is observing a statewide bandh on Thursday, with opposition parties taking to the streets to protest the death of a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. The student, who had accused a professor of sexual harassment and alleged that authorities ignored her repeated pleas for help, succumbed to burn injuries after setting herself on fire.
The 12-hour bandh has jointly called by eight opposition parties, including the Congress and the All India Forward Bloc, demanding justice for the student and accountability from the state government. They accused the BJP-led Odisha government of failing to act on the student’s complaints and called for enhanced measures to ensure women's safety across college campuses.
"The government’s inaction led to the death of a young girl who repeatedly cried out for help," said a Congress leader at a rally. “We will not let this issue fade until those responsible are punished.”
In several districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, and Mayurbhanj, shops and markets remain shut, public transport services have been impacted, and traffic thrown into disarray, particularly along the Chennai-Kolkata Highway.
The demonstrators demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and called for the immediate dismissal of Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, accusing him of being complicit in a larger cover-up.
“People are very angry over the denial of justice to the student who ultimately set herself on fire and died,” said BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra. “Our agitation will continue across Odisha till the BJP government announces a judicial probe into the incident.”
The student had been admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on 12 July after suffering critical burn injuries and passed away days later. Opposition workers, including those from the BJD and Congress, had earlier staged protests outside the hospital demanding immediate action.
Though the main bandh is being observed today, parts of the state, particularly Balasore,had already witnessed protests and disruptions a day earlier. BJD supporters reportedly blocked roads and burnt tyres in several towns, including Jaleswar, Basta, Soro, Baliapal and Bhograi. Police confirmed that traffic in and around Balasore was heavily regulated due to the demonstrations.
According to Odisha TV, commercial establishments, educational institutions, and roads across the state are expected to remain closed or deserted until 6 PM Thursday. Essential services such as pharmacies, hospitals, and ambulance services, however, continued to operate.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and intensified scrutiny of the state government’s handling of cases involving women’s safety. Opposition leaders alleged that the administration failed to act on the student’s sexual harassment complaint, forcing her to take the drastic step. The student had reportedly submitted written complaints to college authorities weeks before her death, warning of serious consequences if no action was taken.
