The bandh, which began early this morning, has led to widespread disruptions across the state, paralyzing daily life.
Eight opposition parties have called for a 12-hour bandh in Odisha today in response to the terrible suicide of a 20-year-old student, which is causing a large statewide closure. The student, from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, tragically ended her life after allegedly being subjected to sexual harassment by a professor, with claims that no action was taken by the authorities. While opposition leaders are demanding a judicial investigation, the student's death provoked intense protests and a demand for accountability.
Daily life has been paralyzed by the bandh, which started early this morning and has caused extensive disturbances throughout the state. Markets, schools, and other institutions are closed, and public transportation including buses, trucks, and trains has been badly disrupted. Roads have been blocked by tire fires and sit-ins in Balasore, the protest's focal point, and protests have spread to Jaleswar, Basta, and Soro.
The state is at a standstill as part of the 12-hour bandh. Schools, colleges, and other educational establishments are closed for the day. The closure of local marketplaces and businesses has had a significant effect on the economy and day-to-day living. Public transportation, including long-distance trucks and buses, has been suspended, particularly on crucial routes like the National Highway between Chennai and Kolkata.
Train services are currently operating, however obstructions caused by protests are likely to cause delays and inconveniences. Protests have been especially fierce in Balasore, where BJD workers have staged sit-ins, blocked highways, and burned tires. Traffic has been badly impacted, and the mood remains tense as protesters call for justice and swift action.
Essential services continue to function despite the bandh's extensive consequences. Healthcare needs are satisfied because hospitals, pharmacies, and ambulance services remain untouched. Emergency medical facilities continue to function without disruption and there have been no reports of significant interruptions in ambulance movement.
While there has been no official directive on the closure of government offices or banks, many reports suggest that staffing levels are reduced, and operations may be limited. Some banks are open with minimal staff, depending on the extent of local disruptions, while government departments are operating with lower attendance.
The bandh has deepened political tensions in the state. Opposition parties, including Congress and BJD, have accused the BJP-led Odisha government of a cover-up, alleging that the authorities failed to take action on the student’s complaints of sexual harassment. Protests were also seen earlier this week outside AIIMS in Bhubaneswar, where the student was receiving treatment before her death.
In addition to demanding a judicial investigation into the incident, opposition lawmakers have demanded the resignation of Suryabanshi Suraj, the state’s minister of higher education. Debi Prasad Mishra, the head of the BJD, promised that unless a comprehensive probe is started, the protests would go on throughout Odisha. People are furious that the student who killed herself by setting herself on fire was not given justice.
"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. He added, "We will continue to agitate across Odisha till the BJP government announces a judicial probe into the incident."
The 12-hour bandh today is a sobering reminder of Odisha's profound social and political divisions. Opposition parties in the state are mobilizing in response to the college student's tragic death, protesting what they see as the government's lack of response to allegations of sexual harassment. The state is forced to choose between demands for accountability, political unrest, and justice as the protests continue. Whether these protests lead to meaningful action or deepen the political rift in the region will become evident in the coming days.
