Odisha faced widespread disruptions on Thursday as the Congress and seven other opposition parties, including CPI, CPI(M), CPIM (ML), Forward Bloc, RJD, SP, and NCP, enforced a 12-hour bandh to protest the tragic death of a college student in Balasore. The student set herself on fire after allegedly being denied justice in a sexual harassment case, sparking outrage across the state. Roads in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and beyond stood deserted, with minimal vehicle movement and train services disrupted at stations like Jatni, Puri, and Bhadrak due to protests starting at 6 am.

Markets, schools, and businesses shut down, while protesters blocked major roads in the capital, waving party flags and demanding justice. Congress leader Rama Chandra Kadam criticized the BJP government, alleging 15 daily cases of violence against women and a failure to ensure safety. Essential services like ambulances and medical facilities were exempted from the bandh. The Odisha Petroleum Dealers’ Association also closed fuel outlets as a precaution.

The state government bolstered security, deploying AI-enabled cameras and drones to monitor key areas. Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh confirmed a central command setup to maintain order, with district officials on high alert to prevent violence during the peaceful yet impactful shutdown.

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