Violence ahead of student union elections has forced two colleges in Odisha’s Jajpur district to cancel their polls, while Vyasanagar Autonomous College at Jajpur Road has been closed and its hostels ordered to be vacated after unidentified persons allegedly hurled bombs on the campus.
The incident at Vyasanagar Autonomous College occurred on Wednesday night, a day after the election notification was issued. The attackers allegedly targeted the principal’s office and a boys’ hostel, prompting the college’s election and academic committees to unanimously call off the students’ union election.
The institution was closed from 1 pm on Thursday until further notice. Hostel residents were directed to leave by Friday morning as the administration moved to prevent further disturbances. Police rushed to the campus after the incident and deployed a platoon in and around the college.
Ashis Sahoo, inspector-in-charge of Jajpur Town police station, said a case had been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosive Act. “Raids are underway to identify and arrest those involved,” he said. Police were examining CCTV footage from the college and nearby areas to identify those responsible.
No arrests had been made until Thursday evening. Sahoo said strict action would be taken against those responsible for creating panic and disturbing public order. The police have also increased surveillance at other educational institutions in the district to prevent similar incidents as student elections approach.
The second cancellation was reported at Upendranath Sarada College in Khairabad, also in Jajpur district. In a notification, the college said its students’ union election was being called off after a unanimous decision by staff association members because of “unavoidable circumstances” on the campus.
The cancellations have disrupted the scheduled election process at both institutions and placed campus safety ahead of student polling. At Vyasanagar Autonomous College, the closure and hostel evacuation have also affected students who live on campus. The police investigation and the college administration’s decision on reopening will determine when normal academic and residential operations can resume.
