KalingaTimes Correspondent
Puri, Oct 20: Samanta Chandra Sekhar Autonomous College on Monday witnessed large scale violence and arson following rejection of nomination papers of candidates vying for the students' union polls.

According to reports, 13 candidates had filed nomination papers to contest in the union elections. Trouble started when nomination papers of 10 candidates were ejected during scrutiny due to shortage in attendance percentage.

As the news about rejection of nomination papers spread, irate students went on a rampage setting computers, air conditioners and laboratories on fire.

Lawlessness prevailed on the campus for several hours in presence of police while teaching staffs were allegedly manhandled and abused.

Principal of the College Manidranath Dutta said college property worth Rs 20 lakh was gutted in the arson. Fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the fire under control.

Although policemen were present on the campus they could not intervene as the college authorities did not ask for police intervention immediately.

Prohibitory orders were soon clamped on the campus and surrounding areas and college was closed sine de.

Police detained five students in connection with the incident, it is learnt.

It was first such occasion in the history of the one of the premiere colleges of the state when students set fire to the college property and caused extensive damage besides attacking teachers.