12-hour Odisha bandh tomorrow: Healthcare services will function; know what will remain closed

The Indian National Congress, in conjunction with seven other political parties, has called for a state-wide bandh in Odisha on Thursday following the death of a student from Balasore Fakir Mohan (FM) College.

The shutdown promises to be peaceful, with the suspension of vehicular movement across the state. The bandh will see schools, colleges, shops, markets, and commercial establishments remain closed between 06:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Healthcare services will be exempted from the bandh, ensuring that medical facilities, pharmacies, and ambulance services continue functioning as usual.

The Congress described the bandh as a 'peaceful shutdown' aimed at drawing attention to the circumstances surrounding the student's death. Authorities have promised to maintain public order during this event.

Worth mentioning, the statewide bandh has been called following the death of a 20-year-old student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore. The young woman set herself on fire on campus, allegedly after her repeated harassment complaints against a senior faculty member were ignored. The student suffered 90–95% burn injuries and died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.

Friends and acquaintances allege she was pressured to withdraw her complaint, and was warned of academic repercussions if she persisted.