The Biju Janata Dal enforced a 12-hour bandh in Mayurbhanj district today to protest the death of a young girl student at Rasagobindpur Ashram School.
The shutdown began at 6 am and will continue until 6 pm. BJD supporters blocked national and state highways, staged demonstrations, and burned tyres at several locations. Normal life across Baripada, Kaptipada, Bamanghati, and Panchpir subdivisions has come to a halt.
The bandh followed the death of Rupali Beshra, a Class V student, who allegedly consumed contaminated food at the school hostel. More than 146 students suffered vomiting and diarrhoea after eating the same meal.
BJD leaders condemned the incident, calling it gross negligence by school authorities. They demanded strict accountability and immediate justice for the deceased student. District president Sudam Marandi led the protest, supported by the youth and student wings of the party.
Agitators also stopped the Bangiriposi-Puri Superfast train near Betnoti station. Essential services remained unaffected, with ambulances and emergency vehicles allowed to move freely. Shops selling essentials stayed open.
The bandh highlighted growing anger over food safety in government-run schools. BJD leaders vowed to continue pressing for justice until authorities take firm action against those responsible.
