Berhampur/Sambalpur, Oct 14: Tensions flared between students of two of Odisha’s premier medical colleges after a group of students from Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, alleged they were assaulted by students of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur during a recent sports event.

According to sources, the VIMSAR students had travelled to Berhampur to participate in an inter-college sports meet hosted by MKCG. However, upon their arrival, a confrontation reportedly broke out, resulting in physical violence. Multiple VIMSAR students were injured in the scuffle, and it was alleged that some windows of their bus were smashed during the incident.

Following the clash, VIMSAR students have decided to withdraw from the event and return to Sambalpur, citing safety concerns. "MKCG is not safe," some students alleged, expressing disappointment over the handling of the situation.

While the exact cause of the altercation remains unclear, the incident has sparked concern among the student community and academic circles. Eyewitnesses claim that the sudden attack created panic, and authorities are yet to release an official statement on the matter.

This is not the first time tensions have surfaced between the two institutions. A few years ago, MKCG students were reportedly attacked during a visit to VIMSAR, an incident that drew widespread condemnation. The recent developments have reignited fears of escalating inter-college rivalry and have prompted calls for stronger safety protocols during inter-institutional events.

Authorities from both institutions are expected to conduct internal inquiries, and further action may follow based on the findings.