While students’ union elections commenced largely peacefully across major universities and colleges in Odisha, severe campus unrest, clashes, and violent incidents forced authorities to abort polling and shut down operations at multiple educational institutions on Thursday.
KBDAV College Polls Cancelled, Section 163 Imposed
At Kshetrabasi DAV (KBDAV) College in Nirakarpur (Khordha district), student union elections were officially cancelled mid-poll following violent clashes on campus.
- Administrative Action: Acting on the College Principal’s urgent recommendation, the Khordha Sub-Collector ordered the immediate cancellation of voting.
- Section 163 Clamped: To curb escalating tensions and restore public order, local authorities have imposed BNS Section 163 (prohibiting unlawful assemblies) in and around the campus for seven days, backed by heavy police deployment.
LN College Declared Sine Die in Jharsuguda
In Jharsuguda district, authorities at Laxminarayan (LN College) declared an indefinite sine die closure following the cancellation of their campus elections due to grave law-and-order concerns.
- Hostel Evacuation: The Principal issued an immediate closure notice, directing all residents of boys’ and girls’ hostels to vacate the premises on Thursday.
- Strict Entry Restrictions: Access to the campus has been completely barred, requiring written authorization from the principal for entry until further notice.
Bomb Hurled at Satapada College in Puri
Meanwhile, extreme violence flared up at Satapada Panchayat Degree College in Puri district, where unidentified miscreants hurled 8 to 10 crude bombs inside the campus.
- Trigger: The attack reportedly followed the college administration’s decision to conduct the union elections via a selection process rather than direct voting, sparking deep resentment among student factions.
- Closure: The bombing triggered widespread panic among students and staff, prompting authorities to immediately declare a sine die closure and reinforce security forces across the area.
While state police and district administrators continue monitoring sensitive campuses, the incidents highlight ongoing challenges regarding student politics and election-related friction across regional institutions.
