Bhubaneswar, July 17: Odisha witnessed a massive 12-hour bandh on Thursday, jointly called by eight opposition parties demanding justice for a 20-year-old college student who died by suicide after setting herself on fire. The student, enrolled at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, had alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member and claimed that no action was taken by the authorities despite her complaints.
The bandh, which began early in the morning, has significantly disrupted normal life across several districts. Educational institutions, markets, and commercial establishments remained closed, while public transport services were suspended, leaving roads deserted throughout the day. However, essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, and ambulances continued to operate.
Protests began on Wednesday in several regions, including Balasore, Jaleswar, Soro, and Bhograi, with demonstrators blocking roads, burning tyres, and staging sit-ins. Balasore remained the epicenter of unrest, where traffic movement was heavily regulated, and law enforcement was deployed in large numbers to maintain order.
Opposition leaders have alleged a deliberate cover-up by the ruling BJP-led state government. They are demanding the dismissal of Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and a judicial probe into the entire incident. “People are outraged at the inaction and denial of justice that led a young student to take this extreme step,” said BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra. He emphasized that protests would continue until the government ensures accountability.
The student had been admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar after suffering severe burn injuries on July 12 but succumbed to her wounds after days of treatment. Her tragic death has sparked statewide anger, highlighting the urgent need for addressing harassment in educational institutions and ensuring swift justice.
The opposition’s call for justice has struck a chord with the public, with civil society groups and student organizations joining the protests. Many are now urging for stronger anti-harassment mechanisms in colleges and more transparent grievance redressal systems.
