Puri Bandh on August 7: BJD Demands Justice for Balanga Girl

(OT Webdesk)The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced a six-hour bandh in Puri on August 7, demanding justice for a 15-year-old girl from Balanga who succumbed to burn injuries after a brutal attack.

The minor was assaulted on July 19 and died on August 2 following treatment at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and AIIMS-New Delhi.

At a press conference on August 4, BJD’s Puri district president Umakanta Samantaray condemned the alleged police inaction and accused the BJP-led state government of shielding the perpetrators.

He also questioned the shifting statements of the victim’s father, calling for transparency and swift justice.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha, with political parties and civil society demanding accountability, a thorough investigation, and immediate arrests.

The bandh will be observed from 6 AM to 12 PM, with BJD leaders vowing continued protests until justice is served