Sambalpur, Feb. 9: Students of the Gangadhar Meher (Autonomous) College today boycotted classes and staged a demonstration, demanding adequate security on the campus.

The students resorted to agitation after some outsiders had attacked one Bibhu Prasad Kartiari, an MBA final-year student, last evening.

Kartiari was returning to the hostel around 8pm when three goons suddenly attacked him. They hit him with bottles and took away his mobile phone. The incident took place near the main gate of the college.

The students had gheraoed Town police station last evening and demanded arrest of the accused. However, they withdrew the agitation after the police had assured them action.

"We want the authority to provide us security. We want the police to intensify patrolling in the college area. Moreover, we also demand a police outpost on the college campus," said president of students' union of the college Milan Hota.

Former secretary of the students' union Prakash Dang said: "We want the authority to take steps to stop the entry of outsiders on the campus. Moreover, we also want the authorities to take steps, so that the campus is properly lit up. The goons take advantage of the darkness and slip on the campus in the evening. Therefore, the students are bound to feel unsafe here."

The students called off their agitation today morning after the police had informed them that three goons had been arrested.

Subsequently, a meeting of the students, staff members and the police was held in the college.

Principal Smita Devi said a few decisions regarding the security of the students had been taken.

"The police have been requested to step up patrolling in the area," she said.

"We will also request them to set up an outpost here. Moreover, CCTV cameras will be installed at the college main gate," Smita said.

Sub-divisional police officer Utakala Keshari Das said: "Patrolling will be stepped up in the college area between 5pm and 11pm."