New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, top leader of the Congress Party, today engaged with the father of a young girl who tragically lost her life while fighting for justice in Balasore, Odisha.
Shri Gandhi expressed profound empathy for the family’s ordeal, stating that he “felt the pain, dreams, and struggle of the girl in his voice.”
In his interaction, Shri Gandhi reportedly assured the father of the Congress Party’s unwavering support, pledging to be “with him at every step.” He condemned the incident as “not only inhuman and shameful, but a wound for the entire society.”
Shri Gandhi’s statement underscored a firm commitment to securing justice for the victim’s family, declaring, “We will ensure at all costs that the victim’s family gets complete justice.” While the specifics of the case (e.g., the nature of the “justice” being sought, the circumstances of the girl’s passing) are not detailed in the provided information, the statement highlights a significant political intervention aimed at providing solace and advocacy to a grieving family.
This interaction signifies the Congress Party’s stance on issues of justice and social welfare, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals. The emphasis on collective societal responsibility and the promise of dedicated support suggest a strong commitment to addressing the underlying issues that led to the tragic loss.
The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has announced a statewide bandh (shutdown) on July 17, 2025, in protest against the tragic death of 20-year-old Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. Soumyashree had reportedly immolated herself after allegedly facing prolonged sexual and mental harassment from a faculty member and feeling that her complaints to college authorities went unheeded. She succumbed to her injuries on July 14, 2025, while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across Odisha. Soumyashree had reportedly attempted to seek justice through various channels, including tweeting to the Chief Minister, but her pleas allegedly remained unheard. Her father has vowed to continue fighting for justice.
In response to her death, the Congress party, along with other opposition parties, has called for the bandh to demand immediate and stringent action against those responsible for her alleged harassment and the systemic failures that led to her desperate act. The bandh is expected to impact schools, colleges, shops, markets, and transport services across the state.
Following the tragic incident, the college principal has been suspended and the accused faculty member has been arrested. A high-level inquiry has been initiated by the Odisha government, and the National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken cognizance of the matter, seeking an action taken report. The state government has also stated that stricter legal sections will be applied in the case, including those related to abetment to suicide and mental cruelty.
The Congress party has emphasized that the bandh is a reflection of the collective demand for justice for Soumyashree and a call for stronger mechanisms to prevent harassment in educational institutions.