- By Chetna Shree
- Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:20 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Odisha Bandh Today: The Indian National Congress, along with seven opposition parties, has called for a 12-hour Odisha Bandh on July 17 to protest the death of a college student who died by self-immolation. The student, a second-year Integrated B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, set herself on fire in frustration over the college administration's inaction on her alleged sexual harassment complaint against a professor.
VIDEO | Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Congress, Left parties and other opposition parties hold protest as part of 'bandh' called by them over Balasore student self-immolation case.#OdishaBandh #BhubaneswarNews
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 17, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/0gnOnEMkHA
Odisha Bandh On July 17: Check What’s Open, What’s Closed?
The Congress described the statewide bandh as a ‘peaceful shutdown’, demanding justice from the government for the Balasore College student. The bandh will remain in effect till 6 PM on Thursday.
The bandh will see schools, colleges, shops, markets, and commercial establishments remain closed between 06:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Odisha TV reported. Vehicular movement will remain suspended in the state. The train schedule may face delays, and the strike is expected to continue throughout the day.
Healthcare services, like medical facilities, pharmacies and ambulance services, remain exempted and will function as usual. However, no official announcement has been made regarding government offices and banks yet, reduced staffing is likely.
The Odisha Police has made special security arrangements for the statewide bandh across the state. The authorities have deployed officials at railway stations, bus stations and other parts of Odisha.
The bandh was in effect on Wednesday in some places of Balasore, but it was shorter in duration. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers held a demonstration in the city, blocking roads and burning tyres on July 16. They held demonstrations in Jaleswar, Basta, Soro, Baliapal and Bhograi since the bandh was imposed early in the morning, news agency PTI reported.
