Bhubaneswar, July 16: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Odisha BJP government following the tragic suicide of a 20-year-old college student in Balasore, who reportedly set herself on fire after facing persistent sexual harassment by her teacher.
Protesting in Bhubaneswar, BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra urged the state government to "come out of its slumber" and immediately order a judicial inquiry into the incident. "We demand a thorough judicial probe. Those who failed to act on the girl's complaint must take moral responsibility and step down," Mishra told.
The incident, which occurred at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, has triggered widespread outrage. According to reports, the student had filed a complaint against the Head of Department and sought help from the principal, but her pleas went unheard. Left with no recourse, she reportedly died by self-immolation.
As part of its protest, the BJD called for a 'Balasore Bandh' and staged demonstrations in the state capital. BJD MLA Susant Kumar Rout reiterated the demand for a judicial probe. “This is unprecedented. We demand justice for the girl,” he said.
Party leader Snehangini Chhuria added, “A girl died seeking justice. The Chief Minister and his ministers seem unaware of the ground reality. Everyone the victim reached out to — the CM, MPs, officials — must be held accountable.”
The protest turned tense as police detained several BJD workers and used water cannons to disperse demonstrators near the state secretariat.
The opposition has vowed to continue its agitation until a judicial inquiry is ordered and action is taken against those who ignored the student's cries for help.
