BJD to Protest at RDC Offices on July 21 Over FM College Student’s Death

Bhubaneswar: Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has escalated its protests against the state government following the self-immolation and death of Soumyashri Bisi, a student at FM College, Balasore.

The party announced statewide demonstrations at Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) offices in Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Berhampur on July 21, demanding a court-monitored judicial probe into the incident.

At a press conference at Shankha Bhawan, senior vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra rejected the ongoing crime branch investigation, led by a DSP-level officer, arguing it is inadequate given the involvement of influential figures.

Mishra emphasized that only a judicial inquiry could deliver justice to the deceased and her family, as the victim had sought help from multiple authorities, including the chief minister, higher education minister, local MLA, Balasore MP, police, and college officials, regarding alleged sexual and mental harassment by a teacher.

The 20-year-old second-year integrated BEd student set herself on fire on campus on July 12 after being denied justice and succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.

The BJD vows to continue its agitation until a judicial probe is announced.

Earlier today, BJD’s women, student, and youth wings held a silent protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bhubaneswar, wearing black badges and holding placards.

The hour-long demonstration also condemned alleged police excesses during a July 16 protest at Lok Seva Bhawan.