Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Congress has called for a statewide bandh on July 17 to protest the alleged harassment of Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore, who attempted self-immolation and later succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das made the announcement at a press conference today, saying that the bandh is being supported by eight parties, including Left parties and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The call for the shutdown is being seen as a unified response to what they termed as the “failure of the state government” in protecting students and women.

Das alleged that Soumyashree was a victim of harassment. He claimed that despite knowing the student's mental distress, those around her did nothing to stop her from taking the extreme step.

“She brought petrol, and everyone watched silently. No one acted,” Das said, holding the State Government responsible for the situation.

“The ruling party ignored the incident because the victim belonged to the ABVP. This is nothing less than murder. The student knocked on every door for justice. She even managed to get an FIR registered. Yet, she did not get justice. She went to the MLA, who could have helped but didn’t. The MP also remained indifferent. Was it not their responsibility to act? If even minimal action had been taken, this tragic end could have been avoided,” he said.

The Congress has demanded the resignation of the state's Education Minister, the local MLA, and the MP, alleging that all three failed the student and her family.

“In protest, we are calling for an Odisha bandh on July 17. We appeal to people from all walks of life to support it and stand up against this injustice,” he added.

As part of the bandh on July 17, schools, colleges, shops, and markets are expected to remain closed.

Soumyashree, a B.Ed student, had attempted self-immolation on the college campus on July 12, alleging sexual harassment by the Head of the Department (HoD), Samir Kumar Sahu. She poured petrol on herself and set herself ablaze in front of the principal's chamber, reportedly after being distressed over inaction on her complaint against Sahu.

She suffered over 90 per cent burn injuries and was first rushed to Balasore Medical College before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. Despite intensive medical efforts, including mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, she was declared dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.

Before her extreme step, Soumyashree had staged a sit-in protest near the college, demanding action against Sahu. She was upset over the administration’s alleged inaction despite her formal complaint.

Sahu has been arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police following an FIR lodged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 108 (abetment to suicide) and Section 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment).