Utkal University tightens security after late-night explosions ahead of student polls

Utkal University, Bhubaneswar tightened campus security on Oct 12 after loud explosions near Gopabandhu Boys’ Hostel late Oct 11 night triggered protests and a bomb scare ahead of the student union elections scheduled for Oct 15.

The incident occurred around midnight, with reports indicating that three loud blasts were heard near the hostel, sending students campaigning on campus and hostel residents scrambling for safety.

Although no injuries were reported, the explosions caused panic and raised concerns about the safety of students as campaigning intensified ahead of Thursday’s polls.

The exact cause of the blasts remains under investigation. While some students suspected a bomb attack, university election officer Jagneshwar Dandapat dismissed reports of a bombing, saying the explosion was not caused by a bomb and that the incident had been wrongly described as a bombing.

He added that authorities were examining whether the sound resulted from a firecracker or something else.

The incident also prompted protests by students associated with the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), who accused members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) of hurling a bomb to disrupt campaign activities and intimidate voters. ABVP members denied the allegation.

Following the explosions, students gathered outside Gopabandhu Boys’ Hostel and raised slogans. BCJD members subsequently gheraoed the university’s main gate, demanding swift action from the administration and police. Rival student groups assembled near the hostel and the campus entrance, further escalating tensions.

The protest came against the backdrop of a face-off earlier on Sunday between student election aspirants affiliated with BCJD and ABVP over access to hostels to meet boarders.

The dispute, followed by the late-night explosions, heightened concerns about possible clashes during the remaining campaign period.

BCJD representatives submitted a formal memorandum to senior officers, expressing concern about student safety and seeking action over the incident.

Protesters also criticized the Commissionerate Police for allegedly failing to prevent the incident despite existing security arrangements. A brief scuffle broke out between students and police personnel at the campus entrance before senior officers intervened to restore calm.

Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saravana Vivek M visited the university along with assistant commissioners and two platoons of armed police personnel.

The officers inspected the reported site of the explosions and held discussions with protesting students, assuring them that steps would be taken to maintain security throughout the election process.

Police also brought forensic and investigative teams to the campus to examine the location and determine the cause of the blasts. “We will investigate the matter thoroughly,” the DCP said, adding that police deployment would be increased around heavily populated hostels.

Evening security checks at the gates would also be intensified until the elections concluded.

The DCP emphasized that student safety remained the top priority through the end of the voting process.

Forensic teams are examining debris collected from the area as part of the investigation. Two platoons of armed police personnel remain deployed on campus, while access controls and nighttime patrols have been strengthened at the university’s gates and residential blocks.

The university has also stepped up its existing surveillance arrangements. More than 250 CCTV cameras have been installed across the campus and its facilities, with additional monitoring in sensitive areas. Local police personnel and former Army personnel have been deployed at the main entrance to strengthen security.

Security has also been increased along key stretches of the campus, including roads leading to the boys’ and girls’ hostels, the library, and Talapadeswari temple.

These measures are intended to monitor student movement and prevent further disturbances as candidates continue their election campaigns.

Despite the security concerns, candidates from all participating student organizations resumed campaigning on Monday. They visited classrooms, hostels, and common areas to interact with students and seek votes ahead of the Oct 15 elections.

The university administration has said it is taking proactive steps to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during the election period.

The investigation into Sunday night’s explosions is continuing, with authorities yet to establish whether the sounds were caused by firecrackers or another source.

The developments at Utkal University come as student union elections return across Odisha after an eight-year gap, with pre-election disputes, allegations of irregularities, and sporadic unrest affecting several institutions.

The renewed election process has been accompanied by disagreements over nominations and campaigning, prompting a number of colleges and universities to cancel their polls or postpone them indefinitely.

Institutions where student union elections have been canceled include Model Degree College in Nabarangpur; four colleges in Nayagarh district, including Prajamandal Women’s College; a women’s college in Kendrapada; Bhadrak Women’s College; Naami College in Bhandaripokhari; Khariar Autonomous College in Nuapada; Gop College in Puri; Deogarh Degree College; UK Mahavir College in Pattamundai; Jambeshwar College in Balasore; and Vyasnagar Autonomous College in Jajpur.

The developments underscore the security challenges facing campuses as student organizations resume electoral activities after the prolonged gap.

At Utkal University, the administration and police are continuing security measures while candidates campaign ahead of Thursday’s vote, with the cause of the late-night explosions still awaiting confirmation.