Bhubaneswar, Sept 9: Tensions flared at Utkal University as a group of students and alumni gheraoed the Vice Chancellor’s office here in Odisha on Tuesday, demanding immediate action against illegal occupants and unauthorized quarter rentals inside the campus.

The protests escalated a day after the removal of non-students from various boys’ hostels the campus.

The protestors called for a “Mission All Out” initiative, urging the administration to evict the slums, oust the unauthorized occupants of quarters and eliminate drug-related activities in the campus. They emphasized that only genuine students should be allowed on campus and demanded strict action against those misusing university quarters for commercial or illicit purposes.

In response, Vice Chancellor Professor Yangyeswar Dandapat said that the university has already initiated steps to address these concerns. Notices have been issued to illegal occupants, giving them a three-day deadline to vacate. If they fail to comply, eviction will be enforced. He assured that measures are being taken to curb drug activities and restore a conducive academic atmosphere.

Echoing the VC’s concern, Registrar Swati Mishra said that the quarters inside Vani Vihar that were being rented out illegally are set to be vacated. The university has initiated the process of listing those who were allotted quarters but have sublet them to others. Strict action will be taken against such individuals, she added.

Professor Dandapat, who assumed office just two months ago, appealed for patience, stating, “These issues are deep-rooted and will take time to resolve. But the process has begun, and Mission All Out will be implemented.”

An alumnus present at the protest said, “We are here not just for ourselves, but for the future of this institution. The campus must be a place of learning, not lawlessness.”

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