TV
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday enforced a 12-hour bandh in Raighar block of Nabarangpur district, demanding justice and financial compensation for the family of a nursing student who died after a prolonged hospital battle.
The bandh, slated to be observed from 6 am to 6 pm, followed the death of the second-year BSc nursing student at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Sunday, 24 days after she allegedly consumed pesticide in the aftermath of alleged harassment and assault by a youth identified as Satyajit Sarkar.
Shops, markets, and non-essential services remained closed during the shutdown, while emergency services were exempted.
Political Row After Student’s Death
According to BJD leader and former MP Pradeep Majhi, the student was assaulted by Sarkar on July 13, leading to a police complaint at Jeypore Police Station in Koraput district. On July 17, she allegedly consumed pesticides, which left her in critical condition until her death. Majhi alleged that the police failed to take timely action, indirectly contributing to her death.
The BJD has demanded Rs 1 crore in compensation for the victim’s family and the immediate arrest of another accused linked to a viral photo incident related to the case.
Body Returns to Native Village
On Monday, the student’s body was brought in a separate ambulance to her native Dumurimunda village amid tight police deployment. Villagers and family members have refused to conduct the funeral rites until the compensation demand is met.
BJD workers, as part of the bandh, staged road blockades near Hanuman Mandir Square in Raighar, stopping vehicles and obstructing traffic. The party said protests would continue in various forms until justice is served.
The incident has triggered a sharp political confrontation in the district, with the BJD accusing the administration of negligence and calling for stricter action against all those involved.
