Massive protest in Odisha over Student Self-Immolation, BJD and Congress Demand Justice
Odisha Protests Erupt After Student’s Self-Immolation in Balasore: BJD, Congress Demand Justice and Probe
Bhubaneswar/Balasore, July 16, 2025 — Odisha plunged into political and social turmoil on Wednesday after the tragic self-immolation and death of a 20-year-old female student in Balasore, who had allegedly faced prolonged inaction over her sexual harassment complaint against a college professor.
The shocking incident occurred at Fakir Mohan College, where the student set herself ablaze on campus. She succumbed to severe burn injuries on Monday. As the state reels from the loss, the incident has sparked massive statewide protests, fierce public outrage, and demands for accountability, justice, and a judicial probe.
Police Use Water Cannons as BJD Leads Protest in Bhubaneswar
Members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) took to the streets in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, holding a massive protest demanding action against those responsible. The Odisha Police resorted to water cannons to disperse crowds after protesters clashed with security personnel near government offices.
“People are angry over the denial of justice. A young girl died fighting for her dignity. We will not stop until a judicial probe is announced,”
said senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra.
The BJD also announced a “Balasore Bandh”, observing a partial shutdown from 6 AM to 2 PM on Wednesday. Roads were blocked, tyres were burnt, and slogans echoed throughout the town, calling for the resignation of the state Higher Education Minister and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
What Led to the Tragedy?
According to reports, the student had repeatedly approached the college principal and internal complaints committee after filing a sexual harassment complaint against a faculty member. Allegedly, no action was taken, leaving her feeling helpless.
She had also written letters to Union Ministers, the Odisha Chief Minister, the Superintendent of Police, and the District Collector—but her cries for help were reportedly ignored.
The student’s extreme step has exposed serious lapses in institutional mechanisms meant to protect vulnerable students.
Opposition Parties Stand United in Grief and Protest
In a rare show of solidarity, both the BJD and Congress have joined hands to pressure the state and central governments.
The Odisha Congress staged a candlelight vigil in Balasore, remembering the student and demanding an independent judicial investigation.
“A brave girl fought for justice, and no one listened. Now the entire state mourns her loss,”
said Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das, addressing the media.
Rahul Gandhi Voices Support for Victim’s Family
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi shared that he had spoken with the student’s grieving father.
“In his voice, I felt his daughter’s pain, dreams, and struggle. What happened is not just inhuman and shameful—it’s a wound to the soul of our society,”
Gandhi wrote.
He assured full support to the victim’s family, adding that the Congress Party stands with them in their fight for justice.
Political Pressure Builds: Demands for Accountability
The growing unrest has led to widespread calls for:
- Immediate arrest of the accused professor
- Judicial probe monitored by the High Court
- Resignations of the Higher Education Minister and Union Education Minister
- Reforms in college-level harassment redressal mechanisms
Activists have also raised concerns over the ineffectiveness of internal complaints committees (ICCs) in educational institutions, calling for strict enforcement of gender sensitization and accountability frameworks under existing laws.