Utkal University in Bhubaneswar witnessed a sweeping police operation on Monday as authorities began evicting non-students from four major hostels.
The crackdown, prompted by years of unauthorized occupancy and repeated law and order disruptions, saw a heavy deployment of Commissionerate Police across the Vanivihar campus. Riot control units, ambulances, and senior officers were stationed strategically as the university initiated the long-awaited purge of Hostels 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Over a dozen senior officers, including ACPs and Inspectors from various police stations, have been stationed across key locations such as hostels, the Vice Chancellor’s office, and the university’s main gate. Riot control equipment, fire extinguishers, and ambulances have also been deployed to manage emergencies.
Special units like the Lifting Party and Transportation Party have been tasked with relocating students to designated detention centers, while traffic police regulate vehicular movement around the campus. A temporary detention center has been set up at the Reserve Office, Bhubaneswar.
Executive Magistrate Sri Biswaranjan Senapati and DCP Anup Kanungo are overseeing the entire operation, supported by multiple ACPs and Addl. DCPs. The arrangement reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining order while addressing student safety and institutional integrity.
