Odisha Bandh 2025: Protests Over Balasore Student's Death Disrupt Transport and Businesses

Normal life in Odisha was partially paralyzed on Thursday as a statewide 12-hour bandh was observed by the Congress and seven other opposition parties. The protest was staged over the death of a college student in Balasore, who allegedly faced sexual harassment and was denied justice.

Congress activists block a major road in Khordha during the 12-hour statewide bandh calling for justice in the Balasore student’s death.

Major roads across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Bhadrak remained deserted, with minimal vehicular movement and several train services disrupted. Activists began protests as early as 6 am, erecting road blockades and demonstrating at major intersections, demanding accountability from the ruling BJP-led government.

Shops, schools, markets, and private establishments remained closed. The shutdown, however, excluded essential services like ambulances, hospitals, pharmacies, and milk supply outlets, ensuring minimal inconvenience in critical areas.

Protesters, carrying party flags and raising slogans, accused the state administration of failing to ensure women's safety. Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam alleged that the government had lost control over law and order, citing rising cases of sexual violence against women and girls.

Leaders from CPI, CPI(M), RJD, NCP, SP, and Forward Bloc joined the Congress-led protest. The Odisha Petroleum Dealers’ Association also backed the call, closing fuel stations for the day.

OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das emphasized that the protest would remain peaceful and urged public cooperation. “We are not causing disruptions to essential services. The bandh reflects public anger and a cry for justice,” he said.

To prevent escalation, the Home Department directed all district collectors and superintendents of police to remain on high alert. Government employees were advised to report to work earlier than usual.

Police deployed high-resolution AI-powered surveillance cameras and drones across sensitive locations. Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh confirmed that real-time monitoring was in place via a central command unit.

The protests are seen as part of growing public frustration over recent law and order failures in the state, with political tensions likely to intensify ahead of the upcoming polls.