Police Tighten Security for Student Union Polls

The Central Range Police have stepped up preparations for the upcoming Students’ Union and other student body elections in universities and degree colleges across Odisha for the 2026-27 academic session.
Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Cuttack has directed all district SsP to put in place comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the elections are conducted peacefully, fairly and without affecting regular academic activities.
District police have been asked to identify sensitive campuses and vulnerable locations, review the local law-and-order situation and deploy personnel accordingly. Security will be strengthened at polling and counting centres as well as other locations where large gatherings are expected.
The police will also take preventive action against individuals or groups suspected of creating disturbances. Authorities have been instructed to prevent clashes, violence, intimidation and unlawful gatherings and to closely monitor developments during the election period.

The SsP have been told to coordinate regularly with Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Principals, election officials and other stakeholders to assess security needs and address potential problems in advance.
The IGP has stressed that police personnel must remain completely neutral and ensure equal protection to all candidates and students. Any breach of law will invite strict action regardless of the person’s identity or affiliation.
Traffic control, crowd management and emergency response arrangements will also be strengthened around major educational institutions.
The Central Range Police said the security exercise is aimed not only at preventing law-and-order problems but also at ensuring students can exercise their democratic rights freely while keeping the academic atmosphere intact.
Police have appealed to students, candidates and student organisations to maintain discipline, avoid confrontation and cooperate with authorities for the smooth conduct of the elections.