BERHAMPUR: Volunteers of Milita Chatra Krianustan Committee staged a dharna in front of Khallikote University on Thursday protesting against the varsity’s decision to conduct indirect elections to its Students’ Union and other constituent colleges. The student leaders, including Sudhansu Panda and Pravat Mohanty, said, “We are concerned about the democratic environment in the university and its colleges. The varsity should conduct direct elections only.” However, the Registrar, Radhanath Rath, justified the decision by claiming that indirect election would prevent the influence of external forces, money power and violence during the polls.
Youth attempts suicide
A student tried to end his life at Hinjili Science College on Thursday. The 22-year-old youth, Tarakant Jena, was appearing for Plus III part-one exam at the college when he started vomiting and fell unconscious in the exam hall. He was rushed to Hinjili hospital and later shifted to MKCG. Later, a poison bottle was found from his bag. Failure in love affair might have prompted Jena to take the extreme step, his friends said.
Body retrieved from pond
Hinjili firefighters retrieved the body of an elderly man from the village pond. He has been identified as Magi Gouda (70) of Khandara village.