Baripada: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday launched a 12-hour bandh across Mayurbhanj district to protest the tragic death of a young girl student following suspected food poisoning at a government-run Ashram school.
The dawn-to-dusk shutdown, which began at 6 am today and will continue till 6 pm, has brought normal life to a near standstill across Mayurbhanj district. BJD supporters have blocked all major roads, including national and state highways, by staging demonstrations and burning tyres at several locations as the bandh remains in full swing.
It is pertinent to mention that the 12-hour bandh was called by the BJD in response to the tragic death of Rupali Beshra, a Class V student of Rasagobindpur Ashram School. The young girl died after allegedly consuming contaminated or stale food served at the school hostel. More than 146 students fell ill with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea after eating the same meal.
BJD leaders have strongly condemned the incident, terming it a clear case of gross negligence by the school authorities and the state government. They are demanding immediate justice for the deceased student and strict accountability against those responsible for serving the poisonous food to the children.
The protest is being actively carried out under leadership of BJD district president Sudam Marandi. Several leaders and workers from the BJD’s youth wing, student wing, and mass organisations are participating in large numbers and continuing the demonstrations at various points.
The shutdown is currently affecting all four subdivisions of the district, including Baripada town, Kaptipada, Bamanghati, and Panchpir. Agitators have also stopped the Bangiriposi-Puri Superfast train near Betnoti station for some time as part of the protest. However, essential services have been kept out of the purview of the bandh. Ambulances and emergency vehicles are being allowed to move freely, while essential shops remain open. The protest is proceeding peacefully so far, with no major untoward incidents reported till the time of filing this report.
