What Sparked the 12-Hour Bandh in Odisha? A Nursing Student's Tragic Story

A 12-hour bandh in Nabarangpur, Odisha, disrupted normal life as the BJD protested the death of a nursing student linked to harassment. The opposition party demands justice and compensation for the victim's family. Activists blocked roads and garnered support from trade unions, highlighting the urgent need for action against harassment. The tragic incident has raised significant concerns about safety and justice for women in the region. Read on to learn more about the events that unfolded and the community's response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 11, 2025, 21:18 IST

Impact of the Bandh in Nabarangpur

Nabarangpur: On Monday, daily activities in the Raighar block of Odisha's Nabarangpur district were significantly disrupted due to a 12-hour bandh organized by the opposition BJD. This protest was in response to the tragic death of a nursing student, which was reportedly linked to harassment.

From 6 am to 6 pm, shops, markets, and transportation services were largely inactive, although emergency services remained operational.

BJD activists and leaders, waving party flags and displaying banners, obstructed roads near Hanuman Mandir Square and other locations throughout Raighar.

The bandh received backing from various trade unions and business groups.

The regional party is demanding a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the second-year nursing student, who passed away at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on Sunday, more than three weeks after allegedly ingesting pesticide, as stated by BJD leader Pradeep Majhi.

Majhi, a former MP, mentioned that the student had been stalked by an individual who allegedly circulated intimate images of her and her boyfriend.

Despite the woman filing a police report against the perpetrator, Majhi claimed that no action was taken by the authorities.

Her body was returned to Dumurimunda village under heavy security, but family members had not performed the cremation by Monday evening, insisting on justice.