The Congress party, backed by other opposition groups, has called for a 12-hour Odisha bandh on July 17, 2025, demanding justice for Soumyashree Bishi, a student of Fakir Mohan College, whose death they allege was a “systematic murder” rather than a suicide.
The bandh has prompted stringent security measures across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with Police Commissioner S. Dev Dutta Singh announcing the deployment of AI-powered cameras and drones to monitor protesters and ensure law and order.
The opposition’s allegations have stirred public sentiment, with Congress and allied parties accusing authorities of mishandling the investigation into Soumyashree’s death. The bandh, set to disrupt normal life from early morning to evening, has led to the cancellation of all examinations scheduled in the city on July 17.
Police have made elaborate arrangements, stationing personnel at key locations, including markets, government offices, Lok Seva Bhawan, the State Assembly, and Rajiv Bhawan. Plainclothes officers will also be deployed to prevent any untoward incidents, while senior officials, including the Director General of Police, will oversee operations.
Commissioner Singh emphasised that while democratic protests are permitted, any violation of the law, such as rail blockades or acts of violence, will face strict legal consequences. “The bandh must remain peaceful. We have zero tolerance for lawbreakers,” he stated, adding that security has been tightened around residences of VVIPs and critical government buildings.
As Bhubaneswar braces for the bandh, residents are urged to plan their travel and activities accordingly, with authorities assuring that essential services will remain operational under close watch. The use of advanced surveillance technology marks a significant step in managing public protests, raising questions about balancing security and democratic expression.
