A dawn-to-dusk Odisha bandh called by the Congress, supported by seven other opposition parties, severely disrupted normal life across the state on Thursday.
The protest was triggered by the tragic death of a student from Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore, who reportedly died by suicide after alleged repeated harassment by a faculty member.
The bandh began at 6 AM and is scheduled to continue till 6 PM. Major towns like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, and Sambalpur witnessed widespread disruption, with road and rail traffic thrown out of gear. Protesters blocked highways and railway tracks, staging pickets and demonstrations that affected several express and passenger trains.
Shops, markets, and private institutions remained shut in many areas, while public transport services were also largely suspended. Educational institutions, especially in urban pockets, suspended classes as a precautionary measure. However, emergency services such as hospitals, medical shops, and ambulances were exempted from the bandh.
In a sharp attack on the state government, Congress leaders accused the administration of inaction and demanded a thorough probe into the incident to ensure justice for the victim. “We want the truth to come out. The government must take accountability,” said a protester in Bhubaneswar.
Meanwhile, police across the state were put on high alert. Drone surveillance and AI-enabled cameras were deployed in sensitive zones to maintain law and order. Authorities also confirmed that additional security personnel were stationed to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Odisha Crime Branch has been assigned to probe the case, while another student who tried to rescue the victim remains in intensive care.
