Eight opposition parties in Odisha, led by the Congress, have called for a state-wide bandh (shutdown) on July 17. The protest is in response to the tragic death of a college student in Balasore who died after setting herself on fire. The student, a second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, had earlier filed a sexual harassment complaint against a professor. However, no strong action was taken, which reportedly led her to take the extreme step.
Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das announced the bandh and said it is being supported by eight political parties, including Left parties. He criticized the ruling BJP government in the state, saying it had completely failed to protect women. “The student was forced to take such a painful step because of the government’s inaction,” Das said. He also accused college staff of ignoring the warning signs and not stopping her from harming herself. “She brought petrol and poured it on herself while people just watched. No one tried to stop her,” he added.
The incident has deeply shocked the people of Odisha. Das said the purpose of the bandh is to demand justice for the student and to highlight the poor safety conditions for women in educational institutions.
The student had suffered 95% burns when she set herself on fire on the college campus on Saturday. She was taken to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she fought for her life for three days but passed away on Monday night.
Police have already arrested the college principal and the head of the education department. Both have been accused of ignoring the student’s complaints and failing to take action against the professor.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his sorrow over the death and announced financial assistance of ₹20 lakh for the family of the deceased student. A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said the CM has asked senior officials to carry out a proper investigation. He also stressed that strict legal action must be taken against anyone found guilty. “There will be no mercy for the culprits,” the statement said.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also expressed grief and concern. In a post on social media platform X, he said, “Shattered to learn of the untimely loss of a young student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Her passing is not just a tragedy—it is a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard our campuses.”
The student’s death has raised many questions about how safe young women are in colleges and universities. Many believe that the authorities failed to act quickly on her complaint, and the situation could have been avoided.
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The bandh on July 17 is expected to see large-scale participation from students, women’s groups, and political activists. They are demanding strict punishment for those responsible and better policies to protect women from harassment in educational institutions.
The case has once again brought national attention to the issue of sexual harassment and how institutions handle complaints. Many are calling for a complete review of complaint redressal systems in colleges and universities to ensure quick and fair action.
The tragic incident has left a lasting impact on the people of Odisha. Students and rights groups have started holding candle marches and silent protests in many parts of the state. Social media users are also expressing anger and demanding justice using hashtags and online petitions.
As the investigation continues, all eyes are on how the state government handles the case. The opposition parties have made it clear that they will not back down until strict action is taken and justice is delivered.
This sad incident is a strong reminder that more needs to be done to make campuses safer for young women. Quick response to complaints, mental health support, and strong punishment for offenders are now being demanded by citizens across the country.
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