Goa, July 17 -- The Odisha Congress, backed by at least eight opposition parties, observed a statewide bandh on Thursday in protest against the alleged inaction of the state government over the death of a 20-year-old college student who succumbed to injuries after a self-immolation attempt. The student had reportedly taken the extreme step following inaction on her sexual harassment complaint.

As part of the bandh, all shops and business establishments remained shut while public transport services came to a halt across major parts of the state. Protestors carried party flags and placards demanding justice for the deceased student, while tight security arrangements were made with multiple police teams deployed to maintain law and order. ...