Bhubaneswar: Normal life was partially affected across Odisha on Thursday as the Congress and seven other opposition parties enforced a 12-hour bandh over the death of a college student who set herself ablaze after allegedly being denied justice in a sexual harassment case in Balasore.
Vehicular movement was disrupted in major cities
including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Bhadrak, while train services were
hit at Jatni, Bhadrak, and other key stations. Roads wore a deserted look as
demonstrations began at 6 am, with activists blocking arterial routes and
raising slogans against the BJP-led state government.
Markets, educational institutions, and business
establishments remained closed. Protesters staged road blockades in several
areas of the capital, demanding justice for the deceased and accusing the
government of failing to ensure women’s safety.
Leaders of the Congress, CPI, CPI(M),
CPIM(ML), RJD, SP, Forward Bloc, and NCP participated in the shutdown, urging
public support.
“There is no safety for women under the BJP
regime. On average, 15 rapes are reported daily, yet the government remains
inactive,” alleged CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam.
Essential services, including ambulances,
medical stores, milk parlours, and emergency healthcare, were exempted from the
bandh. The Odisha Petroleum Dealers’ Association also closed fuel outlets from
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. as a precautionary step.
OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das said the
bandh was being observed peacefully, with picketing taking place on highways
and at railway stations.
The state government deployed extensive
security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident. District
administrations were directed to remain vigilant, with police maintaining high
alert across sensitive zones.
Government employees were instructed to report
to duty ahead of schedule. High-resolution AI-enabled CCTV cameras and drones
were deployed at strategic locations to monitor the situation,
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh said.
“The situation is under close watch from the central command centre,” he added.