Bhubaneswar, Jul 17: Normal life across Odisha has been significantly affected today due to a 12-hour statewide bandh called by eight opposition parties, led by the Congress.

The protest is in response to the tragic death of a college student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who succumbed to burn injuries after allegedly facing sexual harassment and administrative inaction.

Demonstrations are being held across the state with protesters blocking key junctions, including Master Canteen Sqaure, Vani Vihar Square, Rasulgarh, burning tyres and disrupting vehicular movement.

Traffic on NH-16 came to a standstill after the protestors blocked the route.

Many shops, educational institutions, and commercial establishments remained shut. However, emergency services such as ambulances, hospitals, and medicine stores were exempted from the bandh.

To avoid any untoward situation, authorities have deployed drone surveillance and AI cameras to monitor protest activities and ensure public safety.

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