Operation ‘Blue Star’ launched at Utkal University to evict non-students from hostels, heavy security deployed

A massive eviction drive, codenamed Operation ‘Blue Star’, was launched at the Vani Vihar campus of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar on Monday to clear unauthorised occupants from the male students’ hostels.

Acting on the directions of the university authorities, police forces, hostel wardens, and senior faculty members jointly carried out the operation, targeting four hostels that had long been occupied by outsiders.

University Orders Sweep To End Encroachment

Sources reported that the crackdown followed a directive from the Utkal University administration, citing mounting security concerns and disruption of academic life due to outsiders occupying hostel rooms.

According to officials, Hostels No- 1, 2, 3, and 5 were identified as having a large presence of non-students, some affiliated with political organisations. Despite prior deadlines to vacate, many continued to stay, prompting the large-scale eviction.

“The university has been facing hurdles in allotting rooms to its enrolled students. A decision was taken to force out all non-students from the hostels. A deadline was given in advance, and following its expiry, we are conducting this operation with the help of the state machinery,” said the Registrar of Utkal University.

ALSO READ: Tension erupts at Utkal University hostel; students lock gate in protest against warden

Outsiders Forced Out, Seized Items Removed

Ground visuals showed hostel wardens, accompanied by faculty and security personnel, breaking open locks to reclaim rooms.

Over 150 rooms were found occupied by outsiders, many of whom were linked to external political outfits. Belongings, including clothes and personal items, were seized and removed from the premises. Notably, no academic materials, such as books, were recovered during the eviction.

Faculty members, including the Registrar, personally supervised the identification process, ensuring that only genuine students remained housed. The university described the step as essential to restore discipline, provide safe accommodation to its students, and eliminate the influence of external groups on campus life.

Years Of Illegal Occupation Ends

For years, non-students had been residing in the hostels, leading to frequent late-night disturbances, altercations, and repeated security issues. Monday’s operation marked the first major attempt by the administration to reclaim hostels at such a scale.

"The Vani Vihar campus (of Utkal University) was facing severe issues related to the accommodation of students. We had also received several reports on the degrading law and order situation on the campus. We took this matter seriously. The Vice-Chancellor was directed to take steps so that a holistic environment is maintained on the campus, and thus, the drive was conducted. At present, eight platoons of police are keeping a watch over the eviction drive," said Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

Authorities confirmed that the eviction drive will continue until all unauthorised occupants are removed and hostel facilities are restored exclusively for university students.

ALSO READ: Group clashes rock Odisha’s Utkal University ahead of Student Union polls

Police, Traffic, Fire And Medical Support Mobilised

Anticipating resistance and law-and-order issues, the administration mobilised significant support. A large contingent of police was deployed across the campus to oversee the eviction and prevent clashes. Traffic Police arranged diversions around Vani Vihar, with iron barricades placed to regulate movement.

Reports added that Capital Hospital deputed an ambulance with first-aid facilities to the spot, while the Fire Department positioned a firefighting unit equipped with extinguishers to handle emergencies. PCR vans were also pressed into service to maintain constant patrolling in and around the university.