A massive political and social storm has swept Odisha as the state witnesses a dawn-to-dusk bandh on July 17, driven by outrage over the tragic Odisha college student death. According to The Hindu, the Opposition and Congress observe bandh across the state, demanding justice after a college student’s suicide, sparking statewide protests and widespread disruption to daily life. The student’s death, the resulting bandh, and the demand for accountability have become major topics in both regional and national headlines.
What Led to the Statewide Bandh
The unrest began after the suicide of a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. The student, Soumyashree Bisi, reportedly set herself on fire on July 12 after enduring months of alleged sexual harassment by a senior faculty member. Appeals made to college authorities, the principal, and political representatives including the local MLA, MP, and Education Minister did not lead to any action. She eventually succumbed to her severe burns at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. This tragic incident has led to a surge of grief, protests, and calls for justice from students, activists, and opposition parties across Odisha.
Widespread Support for the Bandh
Odisha Congress, supported by other opposition parties, called for a statewide bandh on July 17. Their demand centers on a judicial probe into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. Key opposition leaders have stressed that the bandh is not politically motivated, but rather an urgent call for justice and safe campuses for all students in Odisha.
Major Impacts of the Bandh
On July 17, most commercial establishments, shops, and markets in Odisha were shut. Petrol pumps across the state closed as a precaution. Public transportation faced disruptions, with buses and auto-rickshaws staying off the roads and numerous blockades reported at key intersections and highways. Train services were also interrupted due to sit-ins at major railway stations. Educational institutions, both government and private, opted for closure in multiple districts. Although essential services like hospitals, ambulances, and pharmacies remained operational, the bandh had a significant impact on daily life.
Protests, Security, and Government Action
Protests were organized by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee and allied political fronts. Demonstrations took place in major cities like Bhubaneswar, where crowds gathered to demand justice for the deceased student. A strong police presence, including over 200 platoons, was deployed across the state in order to prevent violence and maintain order. The Congress party and opposition leaders have called for the resignation of Odisha’s Education Minister, as well as the local MLA and MP, holding them accountable for their perceived inaction.
Judicial Probe and Arrests
In response to public pressure, the Odisha government has launched a formal probe into the incident. The state’s Crime Branch is now leading the investigation, while the University Grants Commission has formed a panel to examine the college’s role in the tragedy. The head of department and college principal have both been arrested, facing serious charges such as abetment of suicide, criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, and administrative negligence. Odisha’s Chief Minister has promised that strong action will be taken against those found guilty.
Public Response: Demand for Accountability and Safer Campuses
This heartbreaking event has exposed major shortcomings in the grievance redressal and support systems within Odisha’s academic institutions. Students, advocacy groups, and political leaders are demanding immediate reforms to ensure student safety, effective responses to harassment complaints, and greater accountability within educational institutions. The Odisha college student death, along with the Opposition Congress and bandh in the state, has sparked a much larger conversation about gender safety and the responsibility of colleges to protect students.
What’s Next
The tragedy continues to act as a rallying cry for reform in student protection and campus safety policies across Odisha. Political tensions remain high as opposition leaders push for resignations and urgent safety upgrades within the state’s colleges. Further protests, judicial inquiries, and calls for change are expected in the coming days as the public seeks answers and justice after this devastating loss.
Photo Credit: The Hindu
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