Normal life came to a standstill in Odisha on Thursday as Opposition Congress and seven other political parties enforced a 12-hour bandh over the death of a college student who set herself on fire after being denied justice in an alleged sexual harassment incident.

Though there were no reports of violence or untoward incidents from any part of the state, the bandh has mostly affected transport and business sectors, a senior home department official said. The bandh affected coal and mineral transportation from mines. 

Activities at Paradip Port were also unaffected. Roads in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and other parts of the state wore a deserted look, while train services have been affected in some places. According to an ECoR official, several trains have been running late since 6 am due to the demonstrations. Markets, schools and business establishments remained closed in almost all places.