Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Odisha’s principal opposition party, has launched a massive gherao of the Lok Seva Bhawan (State Secretariat) today, protesting the alleged inaction of the state government in the tragic death of Soumyashree Bisi, a student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore.
Soumyashree Bisi, a second-year B.Ed student, tragically succumbed to her injuries on July 14, 2025, after allegedly setting herself on fire. She had reportedly faced sexual harassment from a faculty member and claimed that her complaints to college authorities went unaddressed for months. This incident has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha, leading to calls for justice and accountability.
The BJD, led by senior leaders including Debi Prasad Mishra, Sanjay Das Burma, and Pratap Jena, has put forth several key demands:
- A judicial inquiry into the incident, to be headed by a sitting judge of the Orissa High Court.
- The resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on moral grounds, holding them responsible for the “failure of the system” and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
- A public apology from the state government for its alleged failure to act on the student’s complaints.
- Strict action against all individuals responsible for the alleged harassment and the subsequent inaction.
BJD leaders have highlighted that Soumyashree had reportedly approached various authorities, including the police, and even tweeted to the Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister, but her pleas were ignored. They have questioned who provided her with petrol for self-immolation and who was recording videos during the incident, demanding a thorough investigation into these aspects.
In anticipation of the BJD’s large-scale protest, the Odisha government had implemented stringent security measures around Lok Seva Bhawan and other key government buildings in Bhubaneswar.
- The front gates of Lok Seva Bhawan were closed at 9:30 AM today, with access restricted to the rear gate and a connecting passage.
- Security checks for identity cards and passes for employees and visitors have been intensified.
- Government officials were instructed to report to their offices by 9:30 AM to avoid disruptions.
- Employees have been advised to remain at their desks and minimize unnecessary movement within the office premises during the protest.
The protest is expected to draw significant participation from BJD supporters, students, and civil society members, intensifying pressure on the state government to address the crisis and deliver justice for the victim. The BJD has stated that its agitation, including student-led protests, will continue until a judicial inquiry is announced and justice is served.