Bhubaneswar, Sept 11: In a significant move to restore order and academic integrity, Utkal University authorities have initiated steps to evict unauthorized occupants from campus premises, including rented quarters and hostels. A massive police deployment has been planned today to support the eviction drive.

According to sources, nearly 50 staff quarters on the Vani Vihar campus have been illegally sublet to outsiders. These include 4 D-Type, 20 N-Type, and several E-Type quarters, originally allocated to university officers and employees. However, many of the allottees have been living outside the campus in their own residences while renting out these quarters for personal profit, allegedly with the tacit support of some university officials.

Zone-5 ACP Bishwaranjan Senapati confirmed that the eviction process will commence today, with all illegal occupants being asked to vacate immediately. “The university administration has formally informed us. We are deploying adequate police forces to maintain law and order during the process. If any belongings remain or occupants refuse to leave, they will be removed with police assistance,” he said.

Concerns remain over possible resistance from non-students and student organizations, prompting the decision for extensive police presence.

Tensions escalated yesterday when a large group of students gheraoed the Vice-Chancellor’s office for the second consecutive day, demanding immediate removal of illegal occupants and restoration of the academic environment. The protest continued for two hours before being called off after university officials assured appropriate action.

While hostels have already been cleared of non-students, authorities have granted a short window for remaining encroachers in campus quarters to vacate voluntarily. Officials reiterated their commitment to restoring a clean and academic atmosphere within the university.