Security was tightened at college and university campuses across Odisha after a reported bomb attack at Banki Autonomous College, a suspected explosion at Utkal University and a firecracker incident at Nimapada College raised concern ahead of student union elections scheduled for October 15.
At Banki Autonomous College in Cuttack district, unidentified persons allegedly hurled a bomb near the administration block on Sunday before fleeing, according to reports cited by Odisha Post. The blast reportedly shattered windows and doors, damaged furniture and caused part of a wall to collapse. Police have begun investigating the incident, but its motive had not been established at the time of reporting.
The incident has been reported in the run-up to elections for students’ unions, and police suspect a possible connection. No such link has been confirmed. The damage to the administration block has nevertheless turned a campus facility into an active security concern as institutions prepare for the polling process.
At Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, a loud sound heard on Sunday night prompted police personnel, including Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M, to reach the campus and assess the situation. Police had not determined whether the sound was caused by a bomb explosion or firecrackers when the report was published.
The DCP assured students that the incident would be thoroughly investigated. Two platoons of police have already been deployed on the university campus, with additional personnel to be sent if required. The deployment places the university’s internal security arrangements under direct police oversight during a period of heightened tension.
A separate incident was reported at Nimapada College in Puri district, where firecrackers were allegedly set off near the college gate late on Saturday night. The episode triggered unrest among students and led authorities to strengthen security at the campus.
Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh visited the college on Sunday evening to review the arrangements. He said the firecrackers might have been set off by miscreants to create an atmosphere of fear. Police personnel were deployed at every gate, while two platoons of special forces were stationed on the campus to maintain law and order.
The Additional Superintendent of Police and the sub-divisional police officer were also camping at the site and monitoring the situation. The incidents leave the police investigations, the cause of the sound at Utkal University and any possible connection with the October 15 elections unresolved. Authorities are continuing security reviews and investigations at the affected campuses.
