Odisha Bandh tomorrow over FM College student’s tragic self-immolation; know details

Odisha is all set to witness a statewide bandh tomorrow, marked by shuttered shops, halted transit, and widespread protest 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, warned of academic repercussions if she persisted.

Opposition parties – led by Congress and BJD – have called for the statewide bandh to demand justice and a judicial inquiry into the tragic incident.

“All the associates of the Odisha Congress Committee and the seven opposition parties have called for this bandh. Today, Rahul Gandhi spoke with the father of the victim and showed concern. It is a very heart-wrenching incident. The girl went to the MLA, MP, and the education minister, but no one listened to her. FIR was not lodged... Rahul Gandhi is saying that this is a systematic murder and not a suicide. She was asking for justice for the past six months, but no one listened,” alleged Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das.

Meanwhile, Odisha capital, Bhubaneswar, is undergoing heightened security preparations ahead of the state-wide shutdown. In anticipation of potential unrest, authorities have deployed extensive police arrangements, including AI cameras and drone surveillance.

Officials, including the Director General of Police, will oversee the situation closely, with officers stationed at critical locations such as intersections, markets, and government offices. Additionally, police personnel in plain clothes will add an extra layer of vigilance.

Key sites such as the Lok Seva Bhavan, the Legislative Assembly, Rajiv Bhavan, and the residences of prominent figures will have reinforced security.

The Police Commissioner warned that any attempts to disrupt rail services or employ violence would be met with legal consequences. He issued a statement underscoring the importance of adhering to democratic methods during the protest, asserting, "No leader or party worker should take the law into their own hands."

Earlier today, BJD supporters staged protests, including marches toward the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryabanshi. 

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has suspended and arrested the college principal and the Head of the Education Department. Chief Minister Majhi has also announced Rs 20 lakhs ex-gratia for the victim's family and affirmed that a high-level judicial inquiry is underway.