Bhubaneswar/Kataka/Puri: A reported bomb attack at Banki Autonomous College in Kataka district damaged part of the building near the administration block, while a suspected explosion at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar and a “firecracker incident” at Nimapada College in Puri district triggered concern ahead of the October 15 students’ union elections.
According to reports, unidentified miscreants allegedly hurled a bomb near the administration block of Banki Autonomous College Sunday and fled. The explosion shattered windows and doors, destroyed furniture and caused a wall to collapse, the report stated.
Police launched an investigation into the incident, which is suspected to be linked to the upcoming student polls. However, the motive behind the attack had not been established at the time of reporting.
Meanwhile, a loud sound heard at Utkal University Sunday night prompted police personnel, including Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M, to rush to the campus and assess the situation. The DCP assured students that the incident would be thoroughly investigated. Two platoons of police have already been deployed on the campus amid the prevailing tension. The DCP said additional personnel would be deployed if required.
Police were yet to establish whether the sound was caused by a bomb explosion or firecrackers at the time of reporting.
Separately, security was strengthened at Nimapada College after firecrackers were allegedly set off near the college gate late Saturday night, triggering student unrest.
Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh visited the campus Sunday evening to review security arrangements. He said miscreants might have set off the firecrackers to create an atmosphere of fear.
Police personnel have been deployed at every gate of the college, with two platoons of special forces stationed on the campus to maintain law and order. The Additional SP and sub-divisional police officer are also camping at the site and monitoring the situation.
PNN
