BJD Calls for Hartal in Puri on August 7 Amid Women's Safety Protests

The BJD has announced a six-hour hartal in Puri on August 7 to protest women's safety issues. Congress will hold two rallies demanding justice for recent victims. These actions follow tragic incidents involving young women in the state.

Opposition parties BJD and Congress have taken to the streets, raising concerns about women's safety in Odisha. This follows the burial of a 15-year-old girl from Puri who died from burn injuries and the arrest of two ABVP activists linked to a college student's self-immolation case in Balasore. Both parties are intensifying their protests, demanding justice for the victims.

The BJD has announced a six-hour "hartal" in Puri district on 7 August. Meanwhile, Congress plans rallies in Balasore and Balanga in Puri, seeking justice for both incidents. These protests highlight ongoing agitation over these cases, with both parties determined to keep the pressure on authorities.

Protests and Demands for Justice

A 20-year-old student from FM College died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on 14 July after self-immolating due to alleged sexual harassment. In another case, a minor girl from Balanga in Puri district succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS Delhi on 2 August. She was reportedly set ablaze by three individuals on 19 July.

However, police investigations in the second case did not find evidence of external involvement. The girl's father mentioned she was under mental stress and took her own life. Despite this, opposition leaders argue that investigations were flawed and justice was denied.

Political Reactions and Accusations

OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das criticised the police's handling of both cases. He announced a 'padayatra' from Balasore FM College to Bhograi on 14 August and another from Balanga to Nimapara on 12 August. Das stated that if justice is not served within seven days, Congress will gherao the DGP office in Cuttack and police stations statewide.

Das accused the state's BJP government of shielding criminals and urged police to act conscientiously. He emphasised that their aim is not to confront the police but to raise awareness among them about these issues.

BJD's Call for Action

In Puri, district BJD president Umakanta Samantray announced a "hartal" on 7 August from 6 am to noon, demanding justice for the minor girl who died with over 70% burns at AIIMS Delhi. Samantray suspects pressure on the victim’s family to change their statements regarding her death.

The girl's mother initially reported that three miscreants set her daughter on fire. However, during treatment at AIIMS Delhi, her father claimed she acted due to mental stress. Samantray sees this as a conspiracy influencing the family's narrative.

Youth Activists' Involvement

Youth Congress activists protested outside the chief minister’s residence, clashing with security personnel. Simultaneously, BJD’s youth and student wings demonstrated at Master Canteen Square, demanding justice for both victims and action against ABVP and BJP activists allegedly involved in the Balasore incident.

BJD activists also expressed their anger by burning effigies of the chief minister, deputy chief minister, and higher education minister. They allege that women, girls, and students remain unsafe in Odisha under current governance.

The ongoing protests reflect deep dissatisfaction with how these cases have been handled. Both BJD and Congress are committed to seeking justice for the victims while holding authorities accountable for ensuring women's safety in Odisha.

With inputs from PTI