In response to the tragic death of Soumyashree Bishi, a student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Baleswar, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) called for a protest today at Lok Seva Bhawan demanding justice.
Thousands of party workers gathered peacefully to express their outrage.
While the demonstration remained non-violent, police reportedly launched a brutal and inhumane assault on the protesters, resulting in injuries to several BJD leaders and civilians.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik condemned the police action in the strongest terms, calling it “barbaric and deeply disturbing.”
He personally reached out via phone to injured party members, including MP Sulata Deo, former Minister Pranab Prakash Das, and Priti Ranjan Gharai, inquiring about their health and wishing them a speedy recovery.
Patnaik emphasised that justice for Soumyashree must prevail and urged the government to take stern action against those responsible, including any political actors shielding the accused. He described the police crackdown as a violation of democratic rights and a disgrace to peaceful protest norms.
This incident has reignited concerns over rising political tensions and accountability within the law enforcement system, especially regarding sensitive social tragedies.
