Bhubaneswar, July 16(OT Webdesk): Massive unrest gripped the Odisha capital on Wednesday as hundreds of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers stormed the Lok Seva Bhawan and Odisha Assembly, protesting the death of college student Soumyashree from Balasore.
Allegedly driven to suicide by administrative negligence, her demise triggered widespread anger across the state.
The situation escalated quickly when protesters clashed with police near Lower PMG Square. Security forces resorted to tear gas and water cannons to control the crowd as agitators tried to breach barricades and reach government offices.
Over 100 party members were detained; prominent leaders Priti Ranjan Gharei and Pranab Prakash Das reportedly sustained injuries.
Calling for a judicial inquiry, senior BJD leaders held the administration morally accountable. “Those who ignored her plea must resign,” declared party Vice-President Debi Prasad Mishra. MLA Susant Kumar Rout added, “Such an incident demands swift justice.
The silence is unacceptable.”
The BJD announced an eight-hour bandh across Balasore, pledging to intensify protests until accountability is ensured. Surveillance drones were deployed, and entry into Lok Seva Bhawan was restricted under tight security.
As the situation simmers, this incident has evolved into not just a political flashpoint but a moral call to action from Odisha’s political opposition.
