In Bhubaneswar, Utkal University officials have taken decisive action by evicting unauthorized residents from staff quarters on campus, following a similar operation to remove non-boarders from gents' hostels. This eviction was carried out with police support on Thursday.

The university administration initiated the eviction process after issuing notices to the occupants, aiming to clear encroachments from the staff quarters. Approximately four platoons of police were present to ensure the operation's smooth execution, according to an official statement.

Reports indicate that around 50 staff quarters on the Vani Vihar campus had been illegally rented out to individuals not affiliated with the university. These quarters, originally designated for university staff, are reportedly in a state of disrepair.

Some of the unauthorized occupants had been living there for several years, with a few families residing on the premises for three to four decades.

Vice-Chancellor Jagneshwar Dandapat commented, "The individuals were living there without authorization. Since the quarters are unsuitable for habitation, they were not assigned to anyone, leading to their eviction."

University Registrar Swati Mishra added that the quarters, which are in very poor condition, are slated for demolition.

Previously, the university had already removed non-boarders from the hostels, and students have been advocating for the removal of slum dwellers from the campus.

Officials reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining a clean and academic environment within the university.