Bhubaneswar: Security was tightened at Utkal University on Monday after a loud explosion near Gopabandhu Boys’ Hostel late on Sunday night triggered a bomb scare and protests, even as campaigning gathered pace ahead of the students’ union elections on Thursday.The university has installed more than 250 CCTV cameras across the campus and its facilities, with additional surveillance in sensitive areas. Local police and former Army personnel have been deployed at the main entrance, while security has also been strengthened along key stretches, including roads leading to the boys’ and girls’ hostels, library and Talapadeswari temple.The scare started after loud explosions were heard near Gopabandhu Boys’ Hostel on Sunday night, sending residents scrambling for safety amid fears of a bomb attack. The incident came against the backdrop of a face-off earlier in the day between aspirants affiliated to Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) over access to hostels to meet boarders.Following the explosions, students gathered outside the boys’ hostel and raised slogans. While BCJD members accused ABVP supporters of hurling a bomb, the latter denied the allegation. BCJD members subsequently gheraoed the university’s main gate, demanding action over the incident.DCP Saravana Vivek M and other police officers visited the campus and inspected the spot from where the explosions were reportedly heard. The DCP also held discussions with the protesting students and assured them of their safety.On Monday, university election officer Jagneshwar Dandapat dismissed reports of a bomb attack, saying the explosion was not caused by a bomb and that the incident had been wrongly described as a bombing. Dandapat further said it is being ascertained if the explosion was the result of a firecracker or something else.He said the administration was taking proactive measures to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident on campus. Amid the heightened security, candidates from all participating student outfits resumed campaigning on Monday, visiting classrooms, hostels and common areas to interact with students and seek votes ahead of Thursday’s polls.
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