Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], July 16 : Biju Janata Dal Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra on Wednesday demanded Odisha government to "come out of slumber" and take action by ordering a judicial inquiry against the perpetrators after a 20-year-old college student immolated herself because of alleged sexual harassment by her teacher.
Joining party protest against the state government in Bhubaneshwar, Debi Prasad Mishra said those who took no action over the case should resign.
Speaking with ANI, he said, "We demand the government to come out of its slumber and take action by ordering a judicial inquiry. Those who took no action should take moral responsibility and resign."
Odisha's main opposition party, Biju Janata Dal, took to the streets today, calling for 'Balasore Bandh' in protest against the Odisha government after a 20-year-old girl self-immolated because of alleged sexual harassment by her teacher.
BJD MLA Susant Kumar Rout reiterated BJD's demand for a judicial inquiry into the case.
"Such a thing has never happened before. BJD demands a judicial inquiry into the case. We are protesting against the government and demanding justice for the girl."
BJD leader Bhrugu Baxipatra, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, said compensation and arrest do not solve the problem.
"Today, the entire BJD cadre is here to gherao the secretariat to demand the resignation of the CM and Higher Education Minister...Hope good sense prevails in the BJP government and the CM and Higher Education resign to allow justice to the women of the state. Just giving Rs 20 lakh compensation and arresting the person doesn't solve the problem," he said.
Additionally, party leader Snehangini Chhuria said, "A girl died asking for justice in the state. The CM and his cabinet ministers are unaware of what is happening in their state. The CM, MP and other persons to whom the girl had written to must resign. A judicial inquiry should be conducted into the case. We will continue our protest until justice is served."
Meanwhile, Police detained BJD workers and used water cannons to disperse them as they took to the streets in protest against the government.
The 20-year-old student set herself on fire after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment by her college's Head of Department. Despite lodging a formal complaint and seeking help from the principal, her pleas were ignored, leading to the tragic incident. The incident occurred at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College.