Bhubaneswar, July 16(OT Webdesk): The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a massive protest at Lok Seva Bhavan, challenging the BJP-led Odisha government’s alleged apathy following the tragic death of Soumyashree, a 20-year-old BEd student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College.
The student reportedly died due to self-immolation after alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member — a case which the BJD claims was ignored despite repeated complaints.
Leading the demonstration, former CM Naveen Patnaik demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Higher Education Minister, citing a gross failure in safeguarding students.
Drone surveillance and heavy police deployment were instituted around the Odisha Assembly, with authorities warning against public disorder.
BJD leaders, including Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, called for a judicial inquiry into the incident, alleging deeper complicity by individuals involved in the tragedy. The protest, broadcast live via aerial footage, fueled public outrage and heightened political friction in the state.
