Odisha Bandh on 17 July 2025: Statewide Shutdown Over Student Death Sparks Protests
Bhubaneswar 16 July 2025
A complete statewide shutdown has been declared in Odisha on Thursday 17 July 2025 by eight opposition parties. The bandh is being held in protest against the recent tragic death of a twenty year old BEd student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. The student died after allegedly attempting self immolation following complaints of sexual harassment.
The shutdown will be observed from six in the morning till six in the evening and is expected to impact normal life across the state. Political parties including the Congress Communist Party of India Communist Party of India Marxist Nationalist Congress Party and others have united to demand justice for the deceased student. They have called for a judicial inquiry and the resignation of the state education minister as well as the local member of legislative assembly and member of parliament.
Reason for the Bandh
The bandh has been prompted by the death of a young woman identified as Soumyashree Bisi a BEd student who set herself on fire inside the college campus on 12 July. She suffered severe burn injuries and was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar where she died on 14 July.
Before her death the student recorded a video message alleging sexual harassment by a faculty member. She claimed that her repeated complaints to college authorities were ignored. Her family and several student groups have accused the administration of failing to take timely action. Protesters have labeled her death not as a suicide but as a result of a systemic failure demanding justice and accountability.
Demands of Protesters
The opposition parties and student unions are demanding the following
- Immediate judicial inquiry into the incident
- Resignation of the higher education minister and local public representatives
- Arrest and punishment of the accused persons
- Compensation and support for the victim’s family
- Stronger laws and mechanisms to ensure safety of students on campuses
Public and Political Response
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an ex gratia of twenty lakh rupees for the student’s family and has ordered an inquiry. The principal of the college has been suspended and the accused faculty member arrested.
However opposition leaders have called this too little and too late. Congress leader Bhakta Charan Das said that the bandh is a mark of protest against the apathy of the government. All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba also joined the protest and accused the state administration of protecting the guilty.
Student bodies and women’s organizations across the state have extended their support to the bandh.
Expected Impact of the Bandh
The bandh is expected to affect normal life across Odisha. Most schools colleges and universities are likely to remain closed. Scheduled examinations have been postponed by several institutions.
Shops markets and business establishments in major towns and cities like Bhubaneswar Cuttack Balasore Sambalpur and Rourkela will likely remain shut. Public transport including buses autos and taxis will be off the roads. The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation has announced limited services for the day.
Train services are expected to continue but may face delays due to road blockades and protests at stations. Passengers have been advised to check updates before travel.
Security Arrangements
The Odisha Police have made elaborate security arrangements to ensure peace during the bandh. Extra forces have been deployed in sensitive areas and patrolling has been increased. Surveillance through drones and CCTV has also been arranged.
Emergency services including hospitals pharmacies ambulance services fire services and milk supply will remain unaffected. Police officials have appealed to the public to maintain peace and warned against any form of violence or damage to public property.
Citizens Reactions
Reactions from the public have been mixed. While many support the demand for justice others are concerned about the inconvenience caused by the bandh. Some citizens said that such protests are necessary to highlight systemic problems while others expressed worry about loss of income and travel disruptions.
Social media has been flooded with posts and videos regarding the incident and the bandh. Hashtags related to justice for Soumyashree and Odisha Bandh are trending regionally.