The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday led a massive protest in Balasore, calling for a ‘Balasore Bandh’ in response to the tragic death of a 20-year-old college student who died after setting herself on fire following alleged sexual harassment by her teacher.
Angered by what they termed the state government’s inaction, BJD workers took to the streets, burning tyres and blocking roads to demand justice. The bandh, observed from 6 am to 2 pm, saw significant public participation.
A BJD protester demanded the resignation of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, saying, “The Chief Minister and the Health Minister should resign. The victim must get justice.”
The victim, a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, reportedly faced prolonged sexual harassment by her college’s Head of Department. Despite repeatedly appealing to the college principal and other authorities, she allegedly received no assistance. In a desperate act of protest, she self-immolated. She succumbed to her injuries on July 15 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she had been transferred for treatment.
BJD chief Naveen Patnaik condemned the ruling state government, calling the incident a reflection of a “failed system.” In a post on X, he wrote, “This was not an accident, but the result of a system that remained silent instead of helping. Struggling for justice, the girl ultimately closed her eyes.”
Patnaik further highlighted the victim’s persistent efforts to seek justice, stating that she had written to the college principal and even approached the Higher Education Minister, Chief Minister’s Office, and a Union Minister. She had also personally met the local Balasore MP, but her pleas allegedly went unanswered.
The Department of Burn Centre at AIIMS Bhubaneswar confirmed that the victim was brought to the hospital on July 12, having been referred from the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital. Despite medical efforts, she could not be saved.
The incident has sparked outrage across the state, with growing calls for accountability and stronger mechanisms to protect students from sexual harassment in educational institutions.
