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Bhubaneswar: Amid ongoing drive to oust non-students from hostel rooms at Vani Vihar campus of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar as students staged a protest at the Vice Chancellor’s office on Tuesday demanding eviction of unauthorised occupants from the staff quarters and nearby slums.

Tension prevailed on the campus as the students launched a fresh agitation and gheraoed the VC’s office demanding immediate steps for the removal of the slum areas near the university.

The demand gained momentum after the ouster of non-students from the university hostels during the massive eviction drive code named operation ‘Blue Star’ which was launched on Monday amid tight security.

A large number of slogan-shouting protesters stormed the Vice-Chancellor’s chamber and demanded immediate action against all unauthorised occupants.

Following the development, Registrar of Utkal University Swati Mishra said necessary steps would be taken for the eviction of people staying illegally in staff quarters.

Similarly, talks are on with Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to facilitate the eviction of slum dwellers residing near the varsity campus. Notices have already been issued, and authorities are reportedly in action mode, she said.

Following the ouster of non-students from the university hostels, the students stated that safety and academic sanctity can only be maintained if the illegal occupants of staff quarters and the slum dwellers are evicted.

The situation remains tense as authorities brace for the next phase of action.

Stating that legal procedures need to be followed in order to vacate the staff quarters which have been occupied in an unauthorised and unlawful manner, the Registrar said legal notice would be issued to the occupants asking them to voluntarily vacate the premises. If they fail to vacate after receiving the notice, appropriate steps would be taken. .

The authorities are not in favour of taking any drastic step without following suitable procedures and serving them legal notice, she added.