Bhubaneswar, Jul 17: The Odisha Congress, backed by several Opposition parties, is observing a statewide 'bandh' on Thursday, demanding justice for a 20-year-old college student who died after setting herself ablaze over alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint.

Following this, police officials have been deployed at every pick point and tight security arrangements are in place to maintain law and order in the state.

Notably, the second-year Integrated B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore had suffered 95 per cent burns after immolating herself on Saturday. She succumbed to her injuries on Monday at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, sparking widespread outrage and political condemnation across the state.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das announced the bandh, stating that it is being supported by seven parties, including Left outfits.

Appealing to people from all sections of society to support the bandh, Das emphasised that the protest is aimed at seeking accountability and systemic change.

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