BJD Vows to Continue Agitation Until Justice for Soumyashree is Delivered

Bhubaneswar, July 18 (UNI): The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to continue statewide protests until justice is delivered in the case of Soumyashree, a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, whose death has sparked public outrage across Odisha.

Addressing a press conference, BJD Senior Vice-President Debi Prasad Mishra blamed systemic failure for the tragic death, stating that the party would intensify its agitation until the culprits are brought to justice. “Soumyashree’s death has shaken the conscience of the state. We will not rest until her family gets the justice they deserve,” he said.

Soumyashree, who succumbed to burn injuries on July 14 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, had attempted self-immolation on July 12 on her college campus, reportedly in protest against mental and sexual harassment by Assistant Professor Samir Sahu.

The BJD has announced plans to gherao all Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) offices across the state on July 21 as the next phase of its agitation. Mishra recalled that on July 15, student and youth wings of the party—Biju Chhatra Janata Dal and Biju Yuba Janata Dal—launched immediate statewide protests. The BJD also staged a large demonstration in front of Lok Seva Bhavan on July 16, during which several protestors were allegedly assaulted by police.

Condemning the alleged high-handedness and insensitivity of the state government, Mishra reiterated the party’s demand for the resignation of the Higher Education Minister and a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting judge of the High Court.

He added that the BJD will not back down until these demands are met and Soumyashree’s family receives full justice.