BJD Calls Puri Bandh on August 7 Over Balanga Girl’s Death

The minor, who suffered severe burn injuries in an attack on July 19, succumbed on August 2 after receiving treatment at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and AIIMS-New Delhi.

At a press conference held on August 4, Puri district BJD president Umakanta Samantaray announced that the bandh will be observed between 6 AM and 12 PM, demanding accountability from law enforcement and the state administration.

Samantaray criticised the shifting stance of the victim’s father and accused the BJP-led government of shielding the culprits. “Despite the gravity of the crime, there has been no clarity or concrete action,” he said, vowing continued protests until justice is delivered.

The incident has sparked statewide outrage, with political parties and civil society calling for transparency, swift investigation, and the arrest of those responsible for the brutal attack.