CCTV to be installed in Utkal University hostels

--9 more arrested in Vani Vihar student attack case

-- Moral support floods in for injured students 

BHUBANESWAR: Nine more youths were arrested on Thursday for attacking six hostel inmates in Utkal University campus here. The number of total arrested persons has risen to 13 so far, including two Vani Vihar students, in connection with the case. On the other hand, CCTV and biometric machines would be installed to prohibit non-students entry, said Utkal University Registrar Debendranath Jena.

Following the unfortunate incident in the campus on Wednesday, the university authorities have started investigation into the matter after forming a disciplinary action committee. “After the submission of the report, action will be taken,” said the Registrar.     

According to the Registrar, CCTV cameras would be installed in all four hostels in phase wise to keep vigil on the activities of the students and non-students, while biometric machines would be installed at university main gate to prohibit non-students entry.  

On the other hand, expressing solidarity to their friends injured in the Wednesday’s attack in the university campus, hundreds of students of two premier colleges in the city on Thursday staged demonstrations and demanded immediate arrest of all the assailants.

“It is deeply regrettable that such hooliganism takes place in the Vani Vihar campus time and again. Both the university authorities and the State Government are not taking effective steps to check recurring violence in the campus,” lamented Rekha Sahoo of Rama Devi Women’s (Autonomous) College.

The girl students vented their anger in front of their college by holding placards asking the miscreants to desist from violence.

Similarly, students of the Rajdhani College and the BJB (Autonomous) College demanded immediate arrest of the hooligans. Staging a dharana and road blockade in front of their college gate, they urged the Government to ensure safety and security for the student community in the State.

“Though such problems take place in educational institutions in the State, particularly at Vani Vihar regularly, the Government and the university authorities are yet to come up with proper mechanisms to prevent campus violence,” rued Ashok Jain, a protestor.