Bhubaneswar, Aug. 25: The authorities of Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar (BJB) Autonomous College today decided to cancel the student union elections this year following a clash between two groups of students on the campus last night.

One student was injured in the clash that took place near the arts department of the college. The incident triggered tension on the campus as students from both sides gathered in and around the college. One platoon of police has been deployed to keep a watch on the situation.

Officials said the staff council meeting today discussed the situation and unanimously decided to call off the elections.

“A resolution has been passed not to conduct the elections in view of the student unrest. It was found that the violence was related to the elections. A letter has been sent to the higher education department regarding the resolution of the council,” said Dushmant Sahu, principal of BJB Autonomous College.

Sahu also said that those involved in clashes in the last one month must be dealt with as per the law.

“We tried to create an amicable atmosphere on the campus by compromising with their issues. The students gave us written undertakings not to indulge in any kind of violence. However, they did not stick to their words and kept on fighting,” Sahu said.

Badagada police said they had got a complaint about last night’s incident in which one Plus III second-year student was injured. He was identified as Shibabrata Nayak, who had injuries on his forehead, hand and neck.

Nayak, in his complaint, mentioned that while he was near the arts campus of the college, some students attacked him with sharp weapons. Hearing his calls for help, Nayak’s friends gathered at the spot. However, by that time the attackers had fled the spot. The Badagada police rushed Nayak to Capital Hospital.

Sources said last Saturday two groups of students had clashed in Laxmi Sagar area, in which two students were injured. “Those who were injured that day attacked Nayak, as he belonged to the rival group,” said a source.

The police said they would take steps according to law. “As the matter involves students, we have to handle it with care. Besides, we have information that some non-students were involved and we will definitely take action against them,” said a police officer.

A few days ago, authorities of Maharshi College of Natural Law, too, had decided to cancel the student union elections following a clash on campus.