THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Bhubaneswar, July 17: A wave of political outrage has gripped Odisha following the tragic death of a 20-year-old student from Balasore, prompting eight Opposition parties, including the Congress, to call for a statewide shutdown on July 17.
The student, enrolled at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, succumbed to her injuries after setting herself on fire—an act allegedly driven by months of sexual harassment by the Head of her Department and the repeated neglect of her complaints.
Confirming her death, AIIMS Bhubaneswar issued a statement on Monday, intensifying public anger and calls for accountability.
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The young woman had reportedly sought help from several authorities—college officials, the local MLA and MP, the District Collector, the SP, and even the State and Central Higher Education Ministers—but her appeals were left unaddressed.
Condemning the incident, CPI(M) leader Suresh Panigrahi announced the coordinated protest, stating, “The joint opposition has resolved that Odisha will be shut down on July 17.”
He further demanded the resignation of the State Higher Education Minister and called for a high-level judicial probe, asserting that action must also be taken against the local MLA and MP for their inaction.
The opposition has united under a common demand for justice and institutional accountability, holding the state government responsible for failing to protect a vulnerable student despite multiple red flags.
