Bhubaneswar, 18 April (H.S.): The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has called for a 12-hour bandh in Mayurbhanj district to protest the death of a girl student, allegedly due to food poisoning at an Ashram school.

The dawn-to-dusk shutdown, which began at 6 am and will continue till 6 pm, has significantly disrupted normal life across the district. BJD supporters staged demonstrations at multiple locations, blocking key roads, including national and state highways, and burning tyres as part of the protest.

The bandh was called in response to the death of Rupali Beshra, a Class V student of Rasagobindpur Ashram School. She reportedly died after consuming contaminated or stale food served at the school hostel. Following the same meal, more than 146 students fell ill, complaining of vomiting and diarrhoea.

BJD leaders have condemned the incident, calling it a case of gross negligence by the school authorities and questioning the role of the state government. The party has demanded justice for the deceased student and strict action against those responsible.

The protest is being led by district president Sudam Marandi, with participation from members of the party’s youth and student wings, as well as other affiliated groups.

The impact of the bandh is being felt across all four subdivisions of the district—Baripada, Kaptipada, Bamanghati, and Panchpir. Protesters also briefly halted the Bangiriposi–Puri Superfast train near Betnoti station.

However, essential services have been exempted. Ambulances and emergency vehicles are operating normally, and essential shops remain open. No major untoward incidents have been reported so far, and the protest is continuing peacefully.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda