The Odisha Congress, backed by at least eight opposition parties, observed a statewide bandh on Thursday in protest against the alleged inaction of the state government over the death of a 20-year-old college student who succumbed to injuries after a self-immolation attempt. The student had reportedly taken the extreme step following inaction on her sexual harassment complaint.
As part of the bandh, all shops and business establishments remained shut while public transport services came to a halt across major parts of the state. Protestors carried party flags and placards demanding justice for the deceased student, while tight security arrangements were made with multiple police teams deployed to maintain law and order.
The student, a resident of Balasore and a pupil at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, had alleged prolonged sexual harassment by the Head of Department (HoD). Despite filing a complaint with the college principal and appealing to authorities including the local MLA, MP, and the Education Minister, no significant action was taken. She attempted self-immolation last week and later died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar during treatment.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das said the protest was not politically motivated. “This is not about politics. It’s about standing with our daughters. Every school, college, and university is at risk if we don't act now,” he stated.
The Congress party has demanded the resignation of the state’s Education Minister, the local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), and Member of Parliament (MP), holding them accountable for their alleged failure to respond to the student’s repeated pleas for help.
CPI(M) leader Suresh Panigrahi also joined the demand, calling for a strict judicial investigation. “The victim girl had approached all authorities—from the college principal to the Education Minister—but her cry for justice was ignored. A judicial probe must be initiated, and the responsible officials, including the MLA and MP, must be held accountable,” Panigrahi said.
The incident has sparked outrage across Odisha, raising serious concerns about the safety of students on campuses and the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms in educational institutions.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)