Wed Jul 16 05:08:28 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and its rewrite as a news article, keeping in mind the “The Hindu” perspective.

**Summary:**

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), an opposition party in Odisha, has called for a bandh (strike) in the Balasore district following the death of a B.Ed student who self-immolated on the campus of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College. The student took this extreme step due to alleged inaction against a professor accused of sexually harassing her. The bandh has caused widespread disruption, with markets, schools, and transportation services being affected. The BJD is demanding a judicial probe into the incident, the resignation of the Higher Education Minister and the Chief Minister, and is planning to continue the agitation across the state. The principal and accused professor have been arrested.

**News Article:**

**Balasore Gripped by BJD Bandh Following Student’s Death**

**Balasore, Odisha, July 16, 2025:** Life in Balasore district came to a standstill today as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) enforced a bandh protesting the tragic death of a second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College. The student, who had self-immolated on campus on July 12, succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on Monday night.

The bandh, lasting from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., saw markets and educational institutions closed, and vehicular traffic severely restricted. Reports indicate that BJD members blocked major roads, including the national highway passing through the district, with burning tires. Demonstrations were also held in Jaleswar, Basta, Soro, Baliapal, and Bhograi.

The student’s death has ignited public outrage, fueled by allegations that the college administration failed to act on complaints of sexual harassment against a professor. “People are very angry over the denial of justice to the student who ultimately set herself on fire and died,” stated BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra.

The BJD is demanding a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident and is calling for the resignation of Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The party has vowed to continue its agitation across the state until these demands are met.

Police have confirmed the arrest of the college principal and the accused professor. The incident has sparked renewed debate on the safety and security of students, and the effectiveness of mechanisms to address complaints of harassment within educational institutions. This latest tragedy underscores the need for a comprehensive review of student welfare policies and grievance redressal systems across Odisha.

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