Kendrapada: Escalating violence ahead of student union elections forced two colleges in Jajpur district to cancel polls, with one campus also ordering closure of hostels after miscreants allegedly hurled bombs on the college premises.The situation turned tense at Vyasanagar Autonomous College, Jajpur Road, on Wednesday night, when unidentified persons allegedly aimed bombs at the principal’s office and a boys’ hostel, a day after the election notification was issued.Following the incident, the college authorities cancelled the students’ union election, citing a unanimous decision of the election and academic committees. The institution was closed from 1 pm on Thursday until further notice, while boarders were directed to vacate the hostels by Friday morning.Police rushed to the campus and contained the situation. Security was tightened in and around the college, with a platoon of police deployed to prevent any further disturbance. “We have registered a case under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosive Act. Raids are underway to identify and arrest those involved,” said Ashis Sahoo, inspector-in-charge of Jajpur Town police station.Police said CCTV footage from the campus and surrounding areas is being examined to identify the miscreants. No arrest had been made till Thursday evening. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible for creating panic and disturbing public order,” Sahoo said.Violence has raised concerns over law and order on educational campuses ahead of the student elections. Police have stepped up surveillance at other educational institutions in the district to prevent recurrences.Meanwhile, Upendranath Sarada College at Khairabad in Jajpur district also cancelled its students’ union election. In a notification, the college said the election was being called off following a unanimous decision of staff association members due to “unavoidable circumstances” prevailing on the campus.Back-to-back cancellations underscore growing concerns over student poll-related unrest in the district, with authorities prioritising campus safety amid rising tensions.
