Rayagada, Oct 16: Tension gripped Rayagada town after the declaration of results of the student union elections at Rayagada Autonomous College, with members of the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) alleging irregularities in vote counting.

Protesting students have been staging a sit-in outside the college’s main gate and have reportedly locked the entrance and teachers’ rooms since the results were announced.

ABVP candidate Sumit Ratnalu was declared the winner by a narrow margin of just 17 votes. The result triggered allegations from the defeated BCJD candidate and supporters, who claimed that deliberate manipulation during counting had deprived them of victory. The allegations are yet to be independently verified.

Also Read: Student elections: Violence & AI controversy

On Tuesday evening and night, agitated students reportedly burnt tyres in front of the college gate and blocked the road as part of their protest. A scuffle also broke out between police personnel and students as police attempted to bring the situation under control.

Despite police deployment, BCJD supporters continued their protest through the night, demanding satisfactory action from the college authorities and clarification over the counting process. Protesters warned that the agitation could intensify if their demands were not addressed.

Police personnel have been deployed around the college and nearby areas to maintain law and order as tension continues in parts of Rayagada town.