Tear Gas, Water Cannons Fired as BJD Protest Over Odisha Student’s Death Intensifies Outside Assembly – 5 Shocking Moments
Chaos unfolded outside the Odisha Assembly as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesting BJD workers demanding justice over a student’s death. The 5-hour standoff highlights rising political tensions in the state
Tensions flared in Odisha on Wednesday as Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staged massive protests outside the Odisha Assembly in Bhubaneswar, demanding justice for a Balasore college student who died by self-immolation. The protest, part of a wider Balasore bandh, saw dramatic scenes unfold, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons to disperse the agitated crowd.
The student had reportedly set herself on fire over alleged inaction in response to her plea for justice. Her death has triggered widespread outrage and political uproar across the state.
BJD leaders slammed the government for its alleged negligence. BJD Vice-President Debi Prasad Mishra demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident, stating, “We demand the government come out of its slumber and take action by ordering a judicial inquiry. Those who took no action should take moral responsibility and resign.”
Echoing similar sentiments, 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 others to whom the girl had written must resign. A judicial inquiry should be conducted into the case. We will continue our protest until justice is served.”
BJD workers have vowed to intensify their protests if their demands are not met, insisting that the issue is not just political but deeply human and moral.
Police said they were monitoring the gathering with drones, besides making a heavy deployment of personnel on the roads leading to the secretariat.
The BJD, which is also enforcing an eight-hour bandh in Balasore district, has been demanding a judicial probe into the incident.
Security was also tightened in other government buildings in the city, including Rajiv Bhavan and Kharavela Bhavan, which are located in the vicinity of the Lok Seva Bhavan, police said.
Police Commissioner S Dev Datt Singh was present near the Lok Sabha Bhavan to oversee the security arrangements.
Employees were allowed entry into the Lok Seva Bhavan after thorough verification of their identities, officials said.
Entry is being allowed only through Gate no 1, and all other gates have been closed, they said.
Entry of visitors has also been restricted, they said, adding that people having prior appointments were, however, being issued entry passes on the recommendation of the departments concerned.
Bhubaneswar, July 15, 2025 — Dramatic scenes unfolded outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Monday as hundreds of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staged a massive protest over the tragic death of a 21-year-old student, allegedly following harassment and institutional inaction. What began as a peaceful march quickly escalated into a standoff with the police, prompting law enforcement to fire tear gas shells and deploy water cannons to disperse the crowd.
The protest was led by top BJD leaders, youth wing members, and student activists who demanded immediate justice for the deceased and strict accountability from the state administration, particularly in the handling of the harassment complaint the student had filed before his self-immolation.
The protest follows the shocking death of Ankit Das, a B.Tech student in Odisha, who succumbed to his injuries after attempting self-immolation outside his college earlier this month. According to reports, Ankit had submitted multiple complaints alleging mental and physical harassment by a faculty member and two students. His family claims he was ignored by college authorities and police, ultimately pushing him to take the extreme step.
The tragic death triggered a wave of anger across the state, with BJD, student unions, and civil society groups demanding a judicial probe into the incident.
Starting around 11 a.m., the BJD march began from the party office and moved toward the Assembly gates, raising slogans like “Justice for Ankit” and “Stop Institutional Violence.” Tensions escalated when protestors attempted to breach police barricades near AG Square.
Police responded by:
- Firing tear gas shells
- Using water cannons
- Deploying riot control forces to manage the crowd
Several BJD workers were reportedly injured, and dozens were detained for violating Section 144, which had been imposed earlier around the Assembly perimeter in anticipation of unrest.
Visuals from the scene showed protestors drenched, choking from gas exposure, and clashing with police personnel. The chaos lasted for over five hours, severely affecting traffic and shutting down access to major routes in Bhubaneswar.
Senior BJD leader Pranab Baldev, who led the march, accused the state of shielding corrupt education officials and failing to prevent a preventable death.
“Ankit’s blood is on the hands of the system. We will not stay silent until justice is delivered and those responsible are jailed,” he said.
The party has demanded:
- Immediate arrest of the named faculty member and students
- Suspension of college authorities
- Compensation for Ankit’s family
- Judicial inquiry under a sitting High Court judge
In response to the unrest, Odisha Home Minister Satyadev Panda stated that an internal investigation has been initiated, and the state will consider a judicial probe if necessary.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life. However, public safety must be maintained, and law will take its course,” he said.
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