Odisha Congress Calls Statewide Bandh on July 17 Over Soumyashree Bisi Case

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has called for a statewide bandh on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in protest over the tragic death of Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. The bandh has been announced to demand justice for the student, who succumbed to severe burn injuries after an alleged self-immolation attempt on July 12, following inaction on her sexual harassment complaint.

Announcing the bandh at a press conference, OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das said the protest is being supported by eight other political parties, including the Left parties and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He accused the state Education Minister, the local MLA, and the Balasore MP of gross negligence, saying all three had failed the victim and her family. The Congress has urged citizens from all walks of life to stand in solidarity with the cause by participating in the bandh.

As part of the bandh, Congress workers are expected to stage road blockades, picketing outside government offices, and possibly rail roko demonstrations at key railway stations across Odisha. These activities may disrupt vehicular and train movement. Many shops, markets, and business establishments across the state are also expected to remain closed during the bandh hours.

Soumyashree, a B.Ed student, had earlier staged a sit-in protest outside her college, accusing her Head of Department, Samir Kumar Sahu, of sexual harassment. She had reportedly submitted a formal complaint, but no action was taken by the college administration. In a moment of despair on July 12, she poured petrol over herself and attempted self-immolation in front of the college principal’s chamber.

She was rushed to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to the severity of her condition. Despite receiving intensive treatment, including mechanical ventilation and renal therapy, she succumbed to her injuries late at night on July 14.

Following her death, Sahadevkhunta Police arrested Samir Kumar Sahu under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 108 (abetment to suicide) and Section 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment). The incident has triggered widespread public anger and political outcry, with demands for institutional accountability, student safety reforms, and justice for the deceased.