Odisha Partially Shut Down by Protest Over Student's Death
A 12-hour bandh called by the opposition Congress and other parties partially paralyzed life across Odisha on Thursday. The shutdown was a protest against the government's handling of a case involving a Balasore college student who died by self-immolation after allegedly being denied justice in a sexual harassment case. Protestors blocked roads and railways, while markets and schools remained closed. The strike aimed to highlight concerns over women's safety and demand accountability from the newly formed state government.
Unpacked:
The student accused Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, the Head of Department at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, of prolonged sexual harassment and claimed that the college administration ignored her complaints. She alleged that the principal failed to act despite her repeated pleas for help and ignored the Internal Complaints Committee's recommendation to transfer the accused professor.
Police have arrested both the college principal, Dilip Ghose, and the accused professor, Samira Kumar Sahu. The Odisha chief minister expressed grief, promised strict punishment for those responsible, and announced interim compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the student's family. The case has also sparked broader calls for accountability and institutional reform.
The incident led to widespread protests, including a 12-hour bandh across Odisha. Opposition parties, especially Congress, accused the government of a coverup and demanded the resignation of the Higher Education Minister and Chief Minister. Public outrage has focused on demands for women's safety and stronger institutional accountability.
The Internal Complaints Committee recommended the immediate transfer of the accused professor to ensure student safety. However, the college principal allegedly ignored these recommendations and even considered reinstating the professor, which contributed to the escalation of the crisis and public outrage.