Elaborate security operation at CUSAT

Kochi, Mar 10 (UNI) Police today carried out an elaborate security operation at the elite Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) here, which was temporarily closed down following violent students protests a few days ago.

Policemen, accompanied by personnel of the bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs, carried out a thorough check of the university, including the Vice-Chancellors' office and residence.

While the university authorities initially thought the search was being conducted following a bomb scare, it was later learnt that the operation was part of a ''security exercise in the light of the recent happenings in the university,'' university officials said.

CUSAT, which has been shortlisted by the Union Human Resources Development Ministry among the institutions to be upgraded to IIT level, had witnessed a series of agitations by the SFI following the suspension of some students.

Classes were suspended nearly ten days ago after protesting students gheraoed Vice-Chancellor P K Abdul Azis' car and also dragged out the registrar from his car and attacked him.

According to university authorities, police have issued elaborate security guidelines, including frisking of all visitors, the setting up of a security picket, security escort for the Vice-Chancellor and daily checking of his office.

Classes are expected to resume next week.

UNI ARC VD HT1838