Violent Protest Over Odisha Student’s Death
Armed with party flags, hundreds of BJD members blocked major roads of the district by burning tyres
Balasore: Tensions ran high in Odisha’s capital on Wednesday as a massive protest by the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) escalated into chaos, prompting police to deploy water cannons and tear gas to control the situation. The demonstration was held in response to the death of a girl student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who allegedly died by suicide after failing to receive justice in a sexual harassment case.
Led by top BJD leaders including Sanjay Das Burma, Arun Sahoo, Pranab Prakash Das, Priti Ranjan Gharaï, Devi Ranjan Tripathy and Byomakesh Ray, the protestors attempted to march towards the Odisha Legislative Assembly and Lok Seva Bhawan, defying heavy security restrictions.
As tensions flared, police reportedly used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Mr Gharaï and Mr Das sustained injuries during the clash, while over 100 party workers were detained for trying to breach security barricades near PMG Square.
Chanting slogans and waving placards, the BJD protestors accused the government of “systemic failure” in handling the harassment complaint and demanded the resignation of chief minister Mohan Majhi as well as the state and Union education ministers.
In anticipation of unrest, the state home department had directed employees at Lok Seva Bhawan to report by 9.30 am, after which the premises were sealed. Security was beefed up across key government buildings, including Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan and Krushi Bhawan.
Simultaneously, life in Balasore came to a halt as the BJD observed a 6 am to 2 pm bandh.
The 20-year-old student succumbed to burn injuries late Monday night, four days after she reportedly self-immolated. Her death has sparked a political firestorm, with the Congress and other Opposition parties announcing a statewide bandh on July 17, demanding justice and accountability.
