Tension at Utkal University after student clash

Bhubaneswar: The rift in Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the students' wing of ruling BJD, came to the fore on Tuesday after two of its groups clashed with each other at the Utkal University here.

Supporters of both groups staged road blockades and burned tyres at different places leading to arrest of three persons.

As per reports, a group of students led by the BCJD's District Unit Secretary Kalpatru Ojha came out with allegations that one Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra of BCJD has been extorting money from private organizations coming to the varsity for distributing different leaflets. Soumya was the Presidential post candidate from the party for the University's student Union Polls in 2017.

“Such acts would tarnish the image of the students outfit,” alleged Kalpataru .

On the other hand, supporters of Soumya alleged that Kalpataru and his associates assaulted and abducted the former.

Following the incident, hundreds of students blocked the road in front of the main gate of the varsity, triggering a widespread disruption of traffic on the stretch connecting Vani Vihar Square with Acharya Vihar Square.

On getting information, Police rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the agitating students.
Somya who was traced by Police and found near Mancheswar, lodged a written complaint with Bhubaneswar DCP Anup Kumar Sahoo, based on which three persons including Kalpataru were arrested.

Protesting the arrests, a number of supporters of Kalpataru blocked the road and burnt tyres on Puri-Bhubaneswar road in front of BJB Autonomous College.

“Three persons have been arrested in connection with the incident,” informed Police today adding the adequate force have been deployed in the campus to contain any untoward incident.