Balasore, July 15 (UNI) The Balasore district unit of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has called for a Balasore bandh from 6 AM to 2 PM on July 16 in protest against the tragic death of 20-year-old Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College.
The BJD alleged that apathy and inaction on the part of the college authorities, the district administration, and political leadership contributed to the death of Soumyashree, who set herself
on fire after repeatedly seeking justice against a professor she accused of mental harassment and demands for sexual favours.
Senior BJD leader and former MP R K Jena said that all educational institutions, business establishments, and public transport services—except for essential services—will remain
suspended during the bandh.
He added that train services are also likely to be disrupted.
Jena condemned the systemic failure of various government agencies in delivering justice to the student, who was reportedly traumatised by continuous harassment and a lack of response from concerned authorities.
He further stated that Soumyashree had been approaching authorities from June 30 to July 11, but when no action was taken, she resorted to the extreme step of self-immolation.
The BJD has demanded a court-monitored judicial inquiry to investigate the role of individuals and institutions responsible for the incident and to ensure strict punishment for the culprits.
Soumyashree, who attempted self-immolation on July 12 on the college campus, died at the AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, on Monday night during treatment with over 90 per cent burn injuries
