Bhubaneswar; A massive eviction drive was launched at the Vani Vihar campus of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar on Monday to clear unauthorised occupants from the hostels amid tight security arrangements.
The operation, code named ‘Operation Bluestar’, was conducted by the university officials, including hostel wardens and senior faculty members amid deployment of security personnel on the campus.
Sources said the eviction drive began around 10.30 am from Hostels 1,2,3 and 5 with an aim to make the university campus free of outsiders.
The drive was carried out after an earlier deadline to vacate the campus was violated and presence of outsiders was still witnessed on the university premises. With senior officials at the helm, three platoons of police force were deployed to prevent any untoward situation.
In a notice on September 6, the Registrar of Utkal University had informed that the men’s hostels were facing severe security challenges, including unauthorised access by not-students, late night disturbances and instance of altercations giving rise to law and order situations. As these incidents disrupt academic environment and the hostel administration, evacuation process of students from Gents Hostel 1, 2, 3 & 5 of Utkal University will be undertaken, it said.
The drive was led by 5 ACPs, 4 IICs and 13 SIs with Zone 5 ACP Biswaranjan Senapati acting as the Executive Magistrate. PG Council halted all classes till 1.30 pm.
As a special measure, Director of Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar was requested to depute an ambulance with first-aid facilities. Assistant Fire Officer, Bhubaneswar was urged to provide Fire Fighting Unit with portable fire extinguisher to the above place to meet any emergency.
It was further announced that a temporary detention centre will function at RO, Bhubaneswar. In case of arrest, the arrestees will be shifted to the temporary detention centre for detention. One officer of Saheed Nagar PS along with one section of force provided by RI, Bhubaneswar shall guard the arrestees. They will prepare a list of the arrested persons in duplicate with full address and copy of the same be sent to DIB for record.
Arrangements were also made for PCR vehicles to move around the campus and inform all officers and staff about the arrangements.
Notably, Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj had directed Utkal University to ban the entry of non-students into Vani Vihar campus with an aim to restore order and academic focus.
The move was in response to the recent unrest at Gopabandhu Hostel and growing concerns over unauthorised individuals disrupting campus life.
