Jajpur/Vyasanagar: Pre-election violence was reported at Vyasanagar Autonomous College (VN College) in Jajpur district after seven bombs were hurled at two separate locations, in front of the principal’s residence and at a hostel late Wednesday night. Six of the bombs exploded, while an unexploded bomb was recovered in front of the college guesthouse gate. On being informed, Jajpur Road police reached the campus and launched an investigation from different angles.
A scientific team recovered the unexploded bomb, pieces of jute ropes and some explosive material from the spot. College authorities lodged a written complaint at the Jajpur Road Model police station following the incident. The college’s election committee subsequently decided to postpone the student union polls. The institute has also been declared closed until October 15, Principal Akshaya Kumar Tripathy told media persons here Thursday. Students were seen fleeing the college hostels in fear following the incident, creating tension on the campus.
Members of two student groups affiliated with the ruling and opposition parties staged protests in front of the college gate, demanding an investigation into the incident. The two groups clashed after trading allegations at the protest site. Police reached the spot and persuaded the students to call off their protest. Both groups also demanded that police prohibit the entry of outsiders into the college campus.
A large police force has been deployed on the campus to prevent any further trouble. With nomination papers for the college elections scheduled to be filed Friday, the incident has triggered a political blame game. Jajpur Road police station Inspector Ashish Kumar Sahu said an investigation into the bombing was underway. Police forces have been deployed on the campus to maintain law and order, he added.