Bhubaneswar: The political heat over the tragic death of a 20-year-old college student in Odisha intensified on Wednesday, as Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers and leaders launched a protest march toward Lok Seva Bhavan, the state secretariat, demanding justice and a judicial probe into the incident.

In response, the government tightened security across Bhubaneswar, particularly around the Lok Seva Bhavan, Rajiv Bhavan, and Kharavela Bhavan. Entry into the secretariat was restricted to Gate No. 1, with all other gates sealed. Employees were allowed in only after strict identity verification, while visitors required prior appointments and departmental clearance.

Hundreds of BJD members began gathering at Master Canteen Square in the morning, marching toward the secretariat with plans to gherao it. In anticipation of possible unrest, police deployed drone surveillance and increased personnel presence on all routes leading to the Assembly and Secretariat.

Police Commissioner S Dev Datt Singh was on the ground to oversee security arrangements firsthand.

Earlier in the day, the BJD enforced a Balasore Bandh from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why did the Odisha student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College set herself on fire?

The 20-year-old victim, a student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, allegedly endured months of sexual harassment from her college’s Head of Department. Despite filing a complaint and reaching out to the college principal, no meaningful action was taken.

On July 12, in an act of desperation, she set herself ablaze and was later transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she succumbed to her injuries on July 15.

Political reactions:

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke with the victim’s father on Wednesday and expressed solidarity with the grieving family. Calling the incident a “wound to the entire society,” Gandhi stated that the Congress Party stands firmly behind the victim's family and will fight to ensure they receive justice.

Former Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik also issued a sharp critique of the BJP-led Odisha government, saying, “The most painful part is that this was not an accident, but rather the result of a system that remained silent instead of helping. Struggling for justice, the girl ultimately closed her eyes.”