Bhubaneswar, September 8: Utkal University on Monday initiated a large-scale eviction exercise to clear non-students from its boys’ hostels.

The drive, which began around 10:30 am, covered hostels 1, 2, 3, and 5—premises reportedly occupied by outsiders for several years. Acting on directives from the university administration, a joint team comprising police personnel, hostel wardens, and senior faculty members acted. A large number of police were deployed across the campus to ensure the process remained peaceful and free from clashes.

The operation was supervised by senior police officials, including five ACPs, four IICs, and 13 SIs, with Zone 5 ACP functioning as the Executive Magistrate. During the exercise, authorities discovered more than 150 rooms being used by non-students, some allegedly associated with political parties. Belongings such as clothes and personal items were removed and seized from these rooms,

University officials have stated that the eviction process will continue until all unauthorised occupants are removed and hostel facilities are restored exclusively for students.

The move follows a directive from Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who had earlier instructed Utkal University to keep outsiders away from the Vani Vihar campus to maintain academic discipline and order.