Bhubaneswar, July 17: In a strong demand for justice in the Balasore FM College student suicide case, the Odisha Congress staged a 12-hour statewide bandh on Thursday. The protest witnessed varied responses across different regions, with some areas experiencing complete shutdowns while others remained largely unaffected.

In the capital city Bhubaneswar, Congress leaders and workers actively enforced the bandh at key locations such as Master Canteen, Rajmahal, Vani Vihar, Jaydev Vihar, and Kalpana Square. Protesters blocked roads and halted vehicles, causing significant disruption to daily life.

PCC President Bhakta Charan Das and national leader Alka Lamba participated in the demonstrations, demanding a judicial inquiry and action against the Balasore SP and District Collector.

Security was tightened across Bhubaneswar, with police deploying forces at major intersections and monitoring the situation via drones. A control room was set up for real-time surveillance, and a helpline was issued for citizens facing difficulties.

In a notable act of compassion, a police officer personally carried an elderly woman to SCB Medical College in Cuttack due to halted transport services.

The bandh received moral support from the ruling BJD, with MLA Arun Sahoo expressing solidarity with any movement seeking justice for the victim. Meanwhile, BJP countered both Congress and BJD, highlighting the failure of successive governments over the past 64 years in addressing women’s safety.

Districts like Cuttack, Kendrapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, Koraput, Kalahandi, Nuapada, and Jagatsinghpur saw strong bandh effects, while areas like Puri, Berhampur, and Jharsuguda experienced partial impact.

Sambalpur remained largely unaffected, with normal train and market operations.

In Jajpur, an unusual scene unfolded as Congress and Left leaders placed placards on roads and left without active participation, leaving traffic mostly undisturbed.

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