Bhubaneswar: Mounting pressure on the Odisha government over the tragic death of college student Soumyashree Bisi, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will stage a massive protest and gherao Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, July 16.
The demonstration will begin at 10 AM, demanding justice for the student, who allegedly took her life after facing harassment at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore.
The party, led by senior leaders and supported by its youth and student wings, said the protest aims to expose the government’s inaction and institutional failure in responding to Soumyashree’s repeated pleas for help.
Simultaneously, an 8-hour bandh has been called across Balasore district, from 6 AM to 2 PM, announced Debi Prasad Mishra, Senior Vice President of the BJD. He clarified that emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and essential utilities will not be affected during the bandh.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of potential law and order challenges during the gherao, the Odisha Home Department has issued a security advisory to all state departments housed in Bhubaneswar’s key government buildings—including Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Krushi Bhawan, and others. Employees have been instructed to report to work by 9:30 AM, after which the front gates of Lok Seva Bhawan will be shut and entry regulated through the rear gate. Visitor access will be tightly restricted, with passes granted only for urgent official business.
The government’s preemptive security measures underscore growing political tension around the Soumyashree case, which has sparked outrage and mobilised student protests across the state.
The BJD has also demanded a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court judge and ₹2 crore compensation for the bereaved family.
