Operation Blue Star aftermath at Vani Vihar campus: Dozens of families left homeless

A wave of eviction at Utkal University’s Vani Vihar campus left several families homeless on Thursday after the varsity authorities cleared out ‘illegally occupied’ staff quarters. These quarters, once a shelter for many, have now been emptied, displacing those who had been residing there, some for years.

Also Read: Operation Blue Star: Eviction drive begins at Utkal University official quarters in Bhubaneswar

With no alternative arrangements, many of these families are now seen taking refuge under trees, clutching onto whatever belongings they could salvage. The alleged sudden action has sparked concern and sympathy across the city, raising questions about the humanitarian and legal implications of such evictions.

Local eyewitnesses described emotional scenes as children, elderly people, and women were seen in distress, uncertain about where to go next. The affected families are now appealing to the State government and local administration for immediate shelter and rehabilitation support.

Around 50 staff quarters are to be vacated by serving a two-day prior notice to the illegal occupants. Officials have yet to release a formal statement on whether any alternative housing or relief measures will be provided for the evicted individuals or not.

Allegedly, some quarters were illegally occupied, and some others have been sublet.

“Exams of my two sons are to begin on September 17. After my household belongings were removed today, I went to school to apply for the TC (transfer certificate) for my children. I asked for TC and told them (teachers concerned) that I will take my children to my village. However, the school authorities refused to issue the TC,” an occupant said to OTV.

TCs cannot be issued in the middle of an academic year, and when the exams are about to begin, the school authorities informed the parents in their reply.

“In such a situation, I am unable to decide what to do,” the ousted occupant stated.