Girl students leave Ravenshaw campus as authorities have decided to close the varsity indefinitely in view of student unrest. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Sept. 28: Ravenshaw University authorities today closed the institution indefinitely and handed over the campus to police following student unrest.

The decision was taken keeping in view the tension among students. Apart from resentment triggered by the poll-ban call yesterday, there were also demonstrations on the campus following alleged denial of admission to two applicants in the international studies course, said sources.

The demonstrations took place on September 19 and the campus atmosphere became even more surcharged the following day when the authorities decided to keep the student polls in abeyance. Finally, they called off the polls yesterday.

Around 100 youths, including some students who were said to be supporters of a candidate, damaged property on the campus. Following official notification on the closure today, boys were asked to vacate hostels by 3pm and girls by 10am on Sunday. This is the first time that the institution had been closed indefinitely after being accorded the university status in 2006.

“It was decided to close the university sine die due to campus unrest. Tension was lingering between student groups. Non-students also indulged in unruly behaviour inside the varsity on Friday,” said Ravenshaw University spokesperson Netaji Abhinandan.

The move has angered students.

“There was no violence among the students, who were staging a peaceful demonstration against poll ban. We condemn the authorities’ decision,” said Balram Behera, a third-year BCom student.

Most of the girl students have already left the campus. “We are forced to leave the campus as we do not want any trouble,” said Sweta Manjari Sahu, a student.

Earlier, various student groups, including the All-India Democratic Students’ Union, had protested on the campus against the poll-ban decision.

“We have our semester examination in November, and we will face problems with the university being closed indefinitely. The university will again be closed for the Pujas from October 11 to 28,” said Ramiya Biswal, another student.