Bhubaneswar: Two days after nominations were filed, pre-poll campus violence was reported from various colleges across the state Monday.
Tension prevailed in Vani Vihar campus after the Utkal University authorities Monday cancelled the students’ union elections and declared sine die in the wake of pre-poll violence on the campus.
Besides, prohibitory orders were clamped at the main gate of the university in view of palpable tension. Entry of outsiders has been strictly restricted and police are allowing only students, staff and hostel employees into the campus on production of proper identity proof.
Meanwhile, a group of students ransacked the vice chancellor’s office protesting cancellation of polls. The vice chancellor, however, was away.
On the other hand, miscreants hurled two bombs at Maharshi College building in Bhubaneswar following which police were deployed on the premises.
”The students’ union election of Vani Vihar scheduled for September 23 stands cancelled,” a notification issued by the registrar’s office said.
The notification also said all the students residing in boys and girls’ hostels of Utkal University, Vani Vihar, are directed to vacate their rooms latest by 6 pm Monday.
Prohibitory orders promulgated Sunday evening under Section 144 of CrPC at the main gate of the university following hurling of crude bombs at the ladies’ hostel and VC’s office is still in force.
Several students also staged protests against the decision of the authorities by burning tyres inside the campus.
Soumyaranajan Mohapatra, a presidential nominee, demanded reconsideration of the decision. ‘‘The election is important for us and we worked very hard for this. The authorities must change their decision. The situation was not that bad that election has to be cancelled. We have decided to not move away from the place till we meet the vice chancellor,’’ he said.
PNN/Agencies
Utkal varsity cancels student union polls
