Odisha Bandh Today: Normal life affected as Cong, other party leaders hit streets over student suicide

Bhubaneswar, July 17:
Odisha witnessed a complete shutdown on Wednesday as protests erupted across the state. Political parties, student unions, and civil society members observed a 12-hour bandh, demanding justice for a 20-year-old college student from Balasore who died after setting herself on fire on campus. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and renewed demands for campus safety and government accountability.

Protest Brings Life to a Standstill

From early morning, major towns like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, and Sambalpur wore a deserted look. Roads remained empty, markets stayed closed, and public transport services stopped operating. Congress, CPI, and other opposition groups led the shutdown, calling for the resignation of the Chief Minister and the Higher Education Minister.

Meanwhile, protesters blocked highways and railway tracks. They raised slogans and waved placards demanding justice. Due to this, train services were delayed, and long-distance travelers faced inconvenience.

What Triggered the Outrage

The protests began after a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore allegedly died by suicide. She set herself on fire inside the college premises, following alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member. Although she filed several complaints, college authorities failed to take action. In her suicide note, she mentioned the names of the principal and the head of her department.

Following public pressure, the police arrested both individuals. The state government also offered ₹20 lakh in compensation to the grieving family. However, protesters say these steps are insufficient. They are demanding a judicial probe and structural reforms in campus safety protocols.

Political Leaders Join Protests

Prominent Congress leaders such as Bhakta Charan Das and Alka Lamba led rallies in Bhubaneswar. Police stopped them near the Chief Minister’s residence and detained several of them briefly. Similarly, student unions clashed with police in Cuttack when they attempted to enter government offices.

On the other hand, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers organized separate protests across Balasore and Mayurbhanj. On Tuesday, a massive rally near Lok Seva Bhawan turned chaotic. When police tried to control the crowd, water cannons and tear gas were used. As a result, several party members sustained minor injuries, and over 100 protesters were detained.

Heavy Police Presence Across Cities

Authorities anticipated unrest and took preventive measures. More than 70 police platoons were deployed in Bhubaneswar alone. In addition, AI-powered drones and CCTV cameras monitored major protest sites throughout the day.

Government buildings operated under tight security. Entry required identity verification, and officers maintained barricades to prevent unlawful gatherings. Many employees arrived early to avoid delays or confrontations.

Essential Services Continue Without Disruption

Although the bandh halted general life, essential services remained functional. Hospitals, ambulances, milk booths, and pharmacies stayed open. District officials ensured that basic supply chains did not collapse.

However, in smaller towns, several essential services were briefly interrupted. Protesters urged shopkeepers to close temporarily, leading to confusion in some areas.

Public Sentiment Reflects Anger and Fatigue

Many people supported the bandh, saying it was necessary to bring attention to recurring negligence in campuses. “We cannot remain silent when our daughters don’t feel safe in colleges,” said Ananya Mishra, a teacher from Balasore.

Yet, others expressed frustration due to the disruption. “I lost a full day of wages,” said Gopal Pradhan, a daily-wage laborer. “While I understand the cause, poor people suffer the most during these shutdowns.”

Opposition Raises Pressure on State Government

The bandh added fresh pressure on the newly elected BJP-led government. Opposition leaders accused the administration of ignoring early warning signs and mishandling the issue. During the morning session of the Odisha Assembly, Congress and CPI members staged a walkout, demanding a full debate on the matter.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a social media post, described the incident as “a murder by the system.” BJP leaders hit back, accusing him of politicizing a tragedy for electoral gains.

Even though the government ordered arrests and paid compensation, many believe more needs to be done. Protesters want a judicial probe to ensure accountability and transparency.

Women’s Groups Demand Structural Reforms

Women’s rights activists and education experts have joined the growing chorus for change. They say the incident highlights deep flaws in handling sexual harassment complaints. “Students fear retaliation when reporting abuse,” said Dr. Minati Nayak, a retired professor and activist. “We need student-led grievance committees with external oversight.”

Several NGOs have now submitted proposals urging the state government to establish safe zones in every college. They also want training programs for faculty and strict enforcement of anti-harassment laws.

More Protests Expected in Coming Days

Protest organizers have announced additional rallies next week. A large women’s march is being planned in Bhubaneswar. It will call for policy changes, safer campuses, and support for survivors of harassment.

Meanwhile, the victim’s parents have appealed for calm but urged authorities to act swiftly. “We lost our daughter, but we don’t want another girl to go through what she did,” said her father. “Let her sacrifice bring real change.”