‘Operation Blue Star’ continues at Utkal University to evict non-students

A large-scale eviction drive under the codename of ‘Operation Blue Star’, which began yesterday morning, is still underway at the Vani Vihar campus of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar to remove non-students from its hostels.

The prevailing action and the heavy deployment of security come as tension on the campus remains high, with reports of several of the encroaching non-students stated to be affiliated with various political parties. Fears of protests and campus violence have hence gripped the varsity.

Operation ‘Blue Star’ Targets Hostels

Reports stated that, acting on the university administration’s directives, a large number of security forces have been deployed to assist hostel wardens and faculty members in reclaiming rooms long occupied by outsiders.

Notably, ‘Operation Blue Star’ was launched on Monday following mounting complaints of political activities, disturbances, and security concerns linked to unauthorised occupants, according to the university administration.

University authorities identified Hostels 1, 2, 3, and 5 as hotspots where outsiders, including individuals associated with political organisations, had taken over rooms.

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Security Reinforced, Eviction To Continue

To prevent resistance and ensure safety, eight platoons of police were stationed across the campus, supported by PCR vans for continuous patrolling. Traffic diversions were enforced around Vani Vihar with barricades in place, while an ambulance from Capital Hospital and a firefighting unit were kept on standby.

Further, on Monday afternoon, Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, “The Vani Vihar campus had been facing serious issues in student accommodation and law and order. The Vice-Chancellor was directed to act decisively, and this eviction drive is meant to create a holistic and safe academic environment.”

University authorities have confirmed that the operation will continue until all unauthorised residents are evicted and hostel facilities are made available solely for students.