BJD Observes 6-Hour Puri Bandh to Demand Justice for Balanga Victim

Bhubaneswar: Normal life came to a halt in Odisha’s Puri district on Thursday following a six-hour bandh called by the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), demanding justice for a 15-year-old girl from Balanga who died after suffering severe burn injuries.

The shutdown, observed from 6 AM to 12 noon, was marked by widespread protests across the district, as BJD leaders and workers took to the streets accusing the state police of shielding the culprits and suppressing the truth.

Markets, shops, and offices remained shut, and roads wore a deserted look, including the Bada Danda in Puri town. However, essential services and vehicles carrying devotees for darshan of Lord Jagannath were allowed to operate.

The minor girl, who was allegedly set ablaze by three unidentified individuals near the banks of Bhargavi River on July 19, succumbed to her injuries on August 2 while undergoing treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi.

While the girl’s mother initially alleged murder in the FIR, her father later claimed she had taken her own life due to mental distress , a contradiction that the BJD alleges was the result of coercion.

This contradiction in the family’s statement raises serious questions. The police seem more interested in brushing the case under the carpet than delivering justice,” said the BJD.

The family was forced to alter their version under pressure from the ruling BJP government , a pattern similar to the FM College case in Balasore,.

Odisha reports 15 rapes a day, and yet the BJP government continues to remain silent. The police are failing in their duty, the BJD said.

The BJD has vowed to intensify its agitation statewide, accusing the Odisha Police of mishandling the investigation and failing to protect women and girls in the state.