Although the day-long Odisha Bandh is expected to remain peaceful, vehicular movement across the state will be suspended, and schools, colleges, shops, markets, and commercial establishments are likely to remain closed from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

At least eight opposition parties, spearheaded by the Congress, have called for a statewide bandh in Odisha on Thursday. The protest comes in response to the tragic death of a college student in Balasore, who allegedly took her own life after setting herself on fire. The incident occurred following reported inaction by authorities over her sexual harassment complaint against a professor.

The opposition parties are demanding justice for the victim and accountability for the failure to address her allegations. The bandh is expected to impact daily life across the state, with disruptions in public transport, closure of shops, and suspension of regular activities in educational and commercial institutions.

Protesters are also calling for stronger measures to ensure the safety of women on campuses and swift legal action against those responsible. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate to maintain law and order during the day-long shutdown.

State Congress President Bhakta Charan Das stated that the Odisha Bandh is being supported by eight political parties, including the Left. He emphasized that the tragic incident at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, where a female student died after allegedly setting herself on fire following inaction on her sexual harassment complaint, highlights the state government’s failure to protect women.

Das criticized the administration for its negligence and called the bandh as a unified demand for justice. According to him, the protest is not only to express collective outrage over the student’s death but also to push for stronger safeguards for women and accountability from authorities.

He urged the public to support the bandh peacefully, adding that such incidents reveal deep flaws in how the system handles gender-based complaints. The joint opposition hopes the strike will pressure the government into taking decisive action and implementing preventive measures in educational institutions.

Odisha Bandh Today: What to Expect as Protests Over Student’s Death Intensify

 

Odisha is witnessing a statewide bandh today, called by at least eight opposition parties led by the Congress, in protest against the tragic death of a second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore. The student succumbed to her injuries on Monday night at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar after battling for her life for three days. She had suffered 95% burns after setting herself on fire on campus on Saturday, reportedly due to the administration’s inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a professor.

In the wake of mounting public outrage, the principal and the Head of the Education Department at the college have been arrested. The opposition alleges that the incident highlights the Odisha government’s failure to ensure the safety and dignity of women, especially within educational institutions. Congress State President Bhakta Charan Das stated that the bandh aims to seek justice for the student and accountability from authorities.

What’s Affected by the Odisha Bandh.

 

The day-long bandh, which began at 6:00 AM and will continue until 6:00 PM, is expected to significantly impact daily life across the state. Vehicular movement has been largely suspended, with public and private buses staying off the roads in major cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Balasore. Protestors have blocked roads in some areas, leading to traffic disruptions and slowdowns.

Shops, markets, schools, and colleges are mostly closed as a mark of solidarity and protest. Attendance in government offices may be affected, although no formal closure has been declared. Train services are expected to run as scheduled, but minor delays may occur due to demonstrations at railway stations.

Banks are open but may experience reduced staffing or early closures in some areas due to the Odisha Bandh.

What Remains Open an  Odisha Bandh.

 

Despite the widespread shutdown, essential and emergency services are fully operational. Hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical facilities will remain open throughout the day. Pharmacies, milk booths, and petrol pumps are also functioning to ensure the public has access to necessary supplies.

Authorities have urged citizens to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement during the bandh. While the protest is intended to be peaceful, security has been tightened in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents.

The Odisha Bandh stands as a powerful expression of public grief and demand for justice following a deeply distressing incident that has shaken the conscience of the state.