Utkal University begins major eviction drive to clear hostels of outsiders

Bhubaneswar, Sept 8: Utkal University in Bhubaneswar on Monday launched a large-scale eviction drive, codenamed Operation Blue Star, to clear its boys’ hostels of unauthorised occupants.

The operation started around 10:30 am and focused on hostels 1, 2, 3, and 5, which had reportedly been housing non-students for several years. A combined team of police personnel, hostel wardens, and senior faculty members executed the drive under the supervision of university authorities.

To ensure the process remained peaceful, a heavy police force was deployed across the campus. The eviction was overseen by senior officers, including five ACPs, four IICs, and 13 sub-inspectors, with Zone 5 ACP Biswaranjan Senapati acting as Executive Magistrate. Officials discovered that more than 150 rooms were occupied by outsiders, many allegedly linked to political organisations. Personal belongings of the non-students were seized and removed from the premises.

The university administration confirmed that the drive will continue until all unauthorised residents are evicted, restoring the hostels exclusively for students.

This move follows directives from Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who had earlier instructed the university to prevent outsiders from entering the Vani Vihar campus to maintain order and academic discipline.