Vedike urges govt. to set up police outpost, tighten security at government-run hostel

Manjunath Nalwarkar, district president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Saturday. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike has demanded the immediate arrest of the remaining accused in the alleged assault on an ITI student at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar government hostel in Rajapur area and a thorough investigation into the suspicious death of another inmate on November 6.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, vedike district president Manjunath Nalwarkar said that Sumit Rajashekar Hosalli, a native of Chittapur taluk, who is pursuing an ITI course in Kalaburagi, was allegedly assaulted by five fellow inmates on September 29, demanding that he bring ₹30,000 from his parents. He was also allegedly forced to consume alcohol and was assaulted.

The police registered a case at the Brahmapur Police Station on September 30. However, Mr. Nalwarkar said the police have arrested only two of the five accused so far, urging them to apprehend the remaining accused without delay.

Expressing concern over the suspicious death of an inmate of the Babu Jagjivan Ram Hostel, located on the same campus, on November 6, he alleged that the failure of the authorities and the police to take stringent action following the earlier assault had created an atmosphere of fear among students. He demanded a comprehensive investigation and action against those responsible.

Alleging that hostels had become centres of anti-social activities, Mr. Nalwarkar claimed that tobacco products, cigarettes, ganja and liquor were found in several rooms and that outsiders were entering hostel premises at night and using them as places of stay. Such activities were disrupting the education of economically disadvantaged students who depended on government-run hostels, he said.

He demanded a permanent police outpost at the hostel, CCTV cameras on every floor, a biometric access system restricting entry to authorised inmates and weekly inspections by officials of the Social Welfare Department. He also sought strict action against the entry of outsiders and the possession and consumption of intoxicating substances on hostel premises.

Mr. Nalwarkar further alleged that during such incidents, some organisations have failed to come forward in support of victims and have instead attempted to pressure officials and extract money. He urged the authorities to ensure accountability and restore a safe academic environment in government hostels.

Published - November 07, 2026 08:47 pm IST