Traffic, train services disrupted across Odisha during bandh for Soumyashree justice

Bhubaneswar, July 17: A 12-hour Odisha bandh called by eight opposition parties, including the Congress, severely disrupted daily life across the state on Thursday. The shutdown was organized to demand justice for Soumyashree Bisi, an FM College student who died after allegedly facing mental and sexual harassment by a faculty member.

The bandh led to major transport disruptions, with demonstrators blocking roads and railway tracks at multiple locations. In Bhubaneswar, traffic came to a standstill as Congress activists blocked NH-16 at Palasuni. Similar blockades were reported at Jaraka Chhak in Jajpur, and in Sundargarh and Koraput districts. In Sambalpur, women Congress workers staged a rail roko protest, halting several trains.

Rail and road traffic were also disrupted in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Cuttack, where protestors blocked national highways and train tracks. Passenger and express train services were delayed, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded.

Shops, markets, and schools remained closed in several towns, including Jaleswar, Soro, Kamakhyanagar, and parts of Mayurbhanj. However, emergency services such as hospitals, medical stores, and ambulances continued to operate normally.

Congress leaders demanded the resignation of the Education Minister, local MLA, and MP, accusing them of failing to support Soumyashree and her family. The party urged people across Odisha to unite in seeking justice.