BJD Observes 12‑Hour Shutdown in Mayurbhanj Over Ashram School Tragedy
Mayurbhanj, April 18: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) enforced a 12‑hour bandh from 6 am to 6 pm in Mayurbhanj district to protest the death of Rupali Beshra, a Class V student of Rasagobindpur Ashram School, who allegedly consumed contaminated hostel food.
The incident left more than 146 students ill with vomiting and diarrhoea after eating the same meal. District president Sudam Marandi, supported by youth and student wings, led the protest demanding accountability and justice.
During the bandh, agitators blocked highways, staged demonstrations, burned tyres, and stopped the Bangiriposi–Puri Superfast train near Betnoti station. Normal life was disrupted in Baripada, Kaptipada, Bamanghati, and Panchpir subdivisions, though essential services like ambulances and shops selling necessities remained unaffected.
The shutdown highlights growing public anger over food safety lapses in government‑run schools and calls for stricter monitoring of hostel facilities.
