FM College Row: Odisha Bandh on July 17
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has announced a statewide bandh on July 17, demanding justice for Soumyashree, a B.Ed student from FM College, Balasore, who tragically died after allegedly setting herself on fire in protest against sexual harassment.
OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das informed journalists that the bandh is a collective call from eight opposition parties, including Congress, to protest what they describe as a systemic failure and political shielding of the accused. Das alleged that the student was harassed by a faculty member affiliated with the ABVP, and despite her cries for help, no action was taken.
On the eve of the protest, candlelight vigils will be held across cities to honour Soumyashree’s memory and pray for her soul.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also weighed in, calling the incident an organised murder by the BJP’s system. “She was threatened, humiliated, and broken by those meant to protect her. Modi ji, whether in Odisha or Manipur, daughters of India are burning—and you remain silent,” he said.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with citizens and political leaders demanding accountability, justice, and systemic reform to ensure safety for women in educational institutions.
