Bhubaneswar, July 24: The Congress party in Odisha on Thursday observed a one-minute silent prayer across the state, demanding justice for a 20-year-old college student from Balasore who died by self-immolation earlier this month.

Party leaders and supporters held silent prayers at the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) headquarters in Bhubaneswar, as well as at several educational institutions and other party offices. The symbolic observance was aimed at drawing attention to the tragic incident and the larger issue of women’s safety in the state.

The victim, a B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan College in Balasore, set herself on fire on the college campus on July 12 following alleged harassment by a professor. She succumbed to her injuries two days later, on the night of July 14, at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das participated in a 'Shradhanjali Sabha' (memorial gathering) held in front of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar. Speaking to the media, Das said, “We had appealed to people, especially students, to observe a one-minute prayer at 9 am on Thursday in support of justice for the Balasore victim. Memorial events have been held at various locations, particularly in educational institutions.”

As part of their outreach, the Congress also launched a mobile app to address women’s grievances. The app aims to provide support to women facing harassment or violence, especially in cases where they feel ignored by law enforcement.

Minakshi Bahinipati, president of the OPCC women’s wing, said, “On the 'Ekadashah' (11th day of mourning) of the Balasore victim, we have launched this app to support women in distress. Many women are not being heard by the police when they report rape or other atrocities. This app is a step toward filling that gap.”

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