Bhubaneswar, Aug 7: In a strong show of protest against the alleged injustice in the Balanga case, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday launched a six-hour shutdown across Puri district, demanding justice for the victim. The bandh, which began at 6 a.m., will continue until 12 noon and has significantly impacted normal life in the region.

Led by former Pipili MLA Rudra Pratap Maharthi, BJD workers staged widespread demonstrations at major intersections. Key protest sites included the Bhubaneswar-Puri National Highway near Pipili Toll Plaza, Uttara Square, Mangalpur market, Satasankha market, and Bada Danda Road in Puri town. Protesters, including Pipili Municipal Chairman Seikh Babu, Zilla Parishad member Dharanidhar Sahu, and former member Debashish Nanda, blocked roads, burned tyres, and shut down markets, government offices, and vehicular movement.

The BJD accused the ruling BJP government of pressuring the victim’s family to alter their statement, echoing similar allegations raised earlier in the FM College case in Balasore. The victim, who had self-immolated on July 19, succumbed to her injuries on August 2 at AIIMS Delhi.

The protest also highlighted dissatisfaction with the Odisha Police's handling of sensitive cases and demanded immediate justice.

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