BJD protest turns chaotic in Bhubaneswar over Soumyashree’s death; over 100 detained, leaders injured

Bhubaneswar, July 16: Tension gripped the state capital Bhubaneswar on Tuesday as Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staged a massive protest, attempting to gherao the Lok Seva Bhawan over the tragic death of 20-year-old Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College.

Soumyashree had set herself ablaze on July 12 after allegedly facing sexual and mental harassment by a professor. She succumbed to her injuries on July 14 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, sparking state-wide outrage.

The protest turned chaotic as BJD workers tried to breach the security barricades near Lower PMG Square to reach Lok Seva Bhawan. In response, police resorted to teargas shelling and forceful dispersal measures. Over 100 BJD workers, including several women, were detained during the crackdown.

Senior BJD leaders, including Pratiti Ranjan Ghadei and Pranab Prakash Das (Bobby Das), sustained injuries in the confrontation and were hospitalised.

The BJD is demanding a judicial inquiry into the incident led by a sitting High Court judge and has also called for the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

The incident has united opposition parties including Congress and Left groups, who have joined the call for justice for Soumyashree.