Bhubaneswar, 11 August (H.S.): The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday observed a 12-hour bandh in the Raighar block of Nabarangpur district, demanding justice and financial compensation for the family of a nursing student who passed away after a prolonged battle for life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The bandh is being observed from 6 AM to 6 PM, is held in response to the death of a second-year BSc nursing student, who succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, 24 days after she allegedly consumed pesticide. The act was reportedly triggered by harassment and assault at the hands of a youth identified as Satyajit Sarkar.

Normal life was disrupted in Raighar, with shops, markets, and non-essential services remaining shut. However, emergency services were allowed to function. BJD supporters staged road blockades at key locations, including near Hanuman Mandir Square, halting vehicular movement and demanding accountability.

BJD leader and former MP Pradeep Majhi alleged that the student was assaulted on July 13, following which a complaint was filed at Jeypore Police Station in Koraput district. Despite the complaint, he claimed, police inaction led to the student consuming pesticide on July 17, ultimately resulting in her death. Majhi accused law enforcement authorities of negligence, which he said contributed to the tragedy.

The BJD has demanded ₹1 crore in compensation for the victim’s family and called for the immediate arrest of another individual allegedly involved in a separate incident related to a viral photograph connected to the case.

The party stated that protests in various forms will continue until justice is delivered.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda