Student Election / Bomb Blasts at Utkal University and Banki Autonomous College Trigger Panic Ahead of Student Union Elections

Bhubaneswar, Oct 12: Two separate bombing incidents at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar and Banki Autonomous College in Kataka district triggered panic on Sunday night, raising concerns over campus security ahead of the student union elections scheduled for October 15.

At Banki Autonomous College, a bomb explosion on the campus on Sunday evening damaged a room in the Geology section of the science department. The blast caused cracks in the walls and damaged the windows, doors and furniture inside the room, a source said.

The identity of those responsible for the explosion and the motive behind the incident remain unclear. Banki police reached the spot and launched an investigation, while a scientific team also visited the campus to examine the scene.

The explosion created an atmosphere of fear among students and faculty members ahead of the student union elections.

Three Crude Bombs Hurled Near Utkal University Hostel
In a separate incident, tension gripped Utkal University in Bhubaneswar late Sunday night after three crude bombs were allegedly hurled near Gopabandhu Hostel.

The incident occurred at around 11:30 pm, when students and police personnel deployed on the campus heard three loud explosions. No injuries were reported, but the blasts triggered panic among hostel inmates.

Also Read: Odisha DGP Reviews Security Ahead Of October 15 Student Union Elections

Angry students gathered near the university's main gate and staged a protest, demanding that those responsible be identified. They questioned the Commissionerate Police's failure to prevent the incident despite heightened security arrangements on the campus.

The situation became tense after a scuffle broke out between protesting students and police personnel. Senior police officers reached the spot and attempted to pacify the students.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.