Security measures have been further tightened since noon around the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election, with law enforcement agencies remaining on high alert throughout the day.n
Since around 1pm on Tuesday, authorities have imposed strict restrictions on outsiders and begun asking students who have already cast their votes to leave the campus through public announcements. Those refusing to comply are being removed after verification of fingerprints and indelible ink.
The initiative is being jointly implemented by the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies. Volunteers from the BNCC and Rover Scouts were also seen assisting in the process.
Fingerprints of students were being checked in front of Shahid Sajid Bhaban, the English Department building and the Philosophy building.
Security personnel have been deployed at several points on and around the campus since morning. Two police booths have been set up outside the main gate and in front of Gate No. 1, while members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are also on duty.
The university Proctor Professor Tajammul Haque said three-tier security measures have been introduced for the first time during a Jagannath University student parliament election.
“To keep the situation normal, security has been strengthened since noon. As part of this, members of the proctorial body are checking the fingerprints of students who have already voted and asking them to leave the campus,” he said, seeking cooperation from all concerned.
He added that voting will continue until 3pm at a total of 178 booths across 39 centres on the campus, after which no one will be allowed to cast a vote.
