Tensions escalated at Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar (BJB) Autonomous College in Bhubaneswar following the arrest of Jeet Panigrahi, a non-student allegedly linked to political groups, who was accused of intimidating students on campus.
Panigrahi was taken into custody by Badagada police on Saturday after students lodged formal complaints regarding his unauthorised entry and threatening behaviour on August 20. His presence triggered widespread protests, with hundreds of students demanding the principal’s resignation and accountability from the administration.
The demonstrations, which spilled onto the main road outside the college, led to traffic disruptions in central Bhubaneswar. Police intervention helped disperse the crowd after assurances of action were given.
This incident comes on the heels of a serious ragging allegation filed by first-year commerce student Ayushman Pati, who claimed he was forced to strip and parade by a senior student on August 1. Despite submitting a complaint to the college’s Anti-Ragging Cell, no action was reportedly taken, prompting him to approach law enforcement.
Students have accused the administration of shielding politically connected individuals and failing to act on complaints unless pressured publicly. The twin controversies have raised urgent questions about campus safety, administrative transparency, and the effectiveness of internal grievance mechanisms.
Police have confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine Panigrahi’s role in the unrest and any institutional lapses that may have enabled his entry.
