Bhubaneswar BJB College unrest: Non-student arrested after widespread campus tensions

Tension continues to grip Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar (BJB) Autonomous College in Bhubaneswar even as police on Saturday claimed to have arrested an outsider, identified as Jeet Panigrahi, for allegedly entering the campus and intimidating students.

The arrest took place today, with Badagada police confirming that they had taken an accused into custody after registering a case on the basis of complaints filed by students.

Outsider Sparks Unrest

According to Badagada police, Panigrahi, who is said to have affiliations with political organisations, entered the college premises on August 20 and allegedly issued threats that created panic among students.

His presence on campus, despite being a non-student, has raised questions over security and administrative accountability.

Students alleged that the college administration has been shielding politically connected outsiders like Panigrahi instead of acting firmly to maintain order.

Angered by the incident, hundreds of students staged a demonstration on Wednesday, demanding the principal’s resignation.

The protest spilled onto the main road outside the college, leading to long traffic snarls in the heart of the capital city. The blockade was lifted only after police intervention and assurances of action.

Police Confirm Arrest

Police have now confirmed that a case has been registered against Panigrahi based on student complaints. Authorities have said that further action will depend on the findings of their inquiry into his alleged role in creating unrest.

Arrest Comes Amid Ragging Allegations

The controversy comes close on the heels of a ragging complaint filed by first-year commerce student Ayushman Pati.

He alleged that on August 1, a senior student, Rajan Panda, forced him to strip and parade on campus. Ayushman said he had submitted a complaint to the college’s Anti-Ragging Cell on August 2, but no action was taken, forcing him to approach the police.

The ragging case has already put the institution under scrutiny, with students accusing the administration of negligence and a tendency to act only under pressure. The fresh unrest involving Panigrahi has further deepened concerns about the safety and well-being of students inside the campus.