Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Congress has called for a statewide bandh on July 17, 2025 (Thursday).

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das made the announcement at a press conference, saying that the bandh is being supported by eight parties, including Left parties and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Reason for the Bandh Call

The Congress called for an Odisha Bandh 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 on July 12 and later succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.

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.

The party has appealed to people from all walks of life to support the bandh call.

What to Expect

Congress workers are most likely to stage road blockades at prominent places across the state, which may affect vehicular movement.

They are also likely to resort to picketing outside government offices.

They may also stage rail roko at important railway stations across Odisha, which might affect the movement of trains.

Shops and business establishments in the state may remain closed during the bandh observance.

About the Tragic Incident

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 District Headquarters Hospital before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. Despite intensive medical efforts, including mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, she succumbed to her burn injuries and 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).