Odisha witnessed a near-total shutdown on Thursday as at least eight opposition parties, led by the Congress, jointly called for a day-long bandh in response to the tragic death of a female college student in Balasore. The second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College had set herself ablaze after alleging sexual harassment by a professor and inaction from the authorities. Despite battling 95% burns, she succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on Monday night.

State Congress president Bhakta Charan Das declared the bandh was being supported by multiple opposition groups, including Left parties. “This is not just a protest; it is a wake-up call for the state government that has utterly failed to ensure women’s safety,” Das said, demanding strict accountability and justice for the deceased student.

As a result, life across Odisha, particularly in Balasore, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack, came to a standstill. Roads wore a deserted look, public buses went off service, and most educational institutions, markets, and commercial outlets remained shut from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Though train services continued, minor disruptions were reported at key stations due to protest gatherings. Banks stayed open, but several reported reduced staff presence and early closures. Government offices saw low attendance as employees either supported the bandh or couldn’t commute due to lack of transport.

Despite the widespread impact, the day remained largely peaceful. Emergency and essential services—including hospitals, pharmacies, milk booths, and petrol pumps—remained functional across the state.

The anger on the streets reflects deeper public frustration. While the college’s principal and the Head of the Department have been arrested in connection with the case, protesters continue to demand the arrest of the professor and a state-level inquiry into the handling of the complaint.