Utkal University authorities have strongly dismissed circulating reports of a bomb attack on campus as completely baseless rumours, even as heightened tensions ahead of the upcoming student union elections prompted a massive security lockdown across the institution.
The campus was plunged into high alert late Sunday night following unverified reports that three crude bombs had allegedly been hurled near the Gopabandhu Hostel (Boys’ Hostel No. 1) around 11:30 PM. Although no injuries were reported, the sudden, loud bang triggered widespread panic among hostel inmates, leading to spontaneous student protests outside the main gate.
Authorities Deny Explosion Claims
Addressing the panic, Utkal University Election Officer Jagneshwar Dandapat clarified that the alleged bomb incident was entirely a rumour. He assured students and faculty that the university administration is taking all necessary, proactive measures to safeguard the campus and prevent any untoward incidents.
Despite the official dismissal, local police forces and senior officials rushed to the scene on Sunday night to calm agitated students, launch inquiries, and assess the situation.
Heavy Surveillance and Reinforced Security
To restore calm and deter potential troublemakers amid charged electoral atmospheres, security has been drastically scaled up across the Vani Vihar campus:
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Round-the-Clock Surveillance: The university is now under intensive 24/7 watch, backed by more than 250 CCTV cameras installed strategically throughout the grounds.
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Discreet Monitoring: Additional cameras have been covertly positioned at highly sensitive spots to track suspicious movements.
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Joint Patrols: University security personnel have been paired with heavily deployed police forces, including armed platoons stationed at the main entrance.
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Vulnerable Zones Secured: Extra personnel are keeping a tight watch over critical hotspots, including the boys’ and girls’ hostel lanes, the market complex, Talapadeswari Lane, and Gandhi Shanti Sthal.
While administrative officials maintain that the situation is under firm control, heavy police deployment remains in place to ensure peaceful conditions continue as the campus poll season progresses.
