Vedike Demands Police Outpost and Tightened Security in Government Hostel

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike has demanded the immediate arrest of remaining accused in the alleged attack on an ITI student at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Government Hostel in the Rajapur area of Kalaburagi, and a full investigation into the suspicious death of another resident on November 6.

These demands were made by the Vedike's district president, Manjunath Nalavarkar, during a press conference held in Kalaburagi on Saturday. He stated that Sumit Rajshekhar Hosalli, a native of Chittapur taluk pursuing an ITI course in Kalaburagi, was attacked by five co-residents on September 29. The motive behind the attack was allegedly to pressure Sumit to bring ₹30,000 from his parents. Additionally, he was forcibly made to consume alcohol and was assaulted.

A case regarding this incident was registered at the Brahmapur police station on September 30. However, Manjunath Nalavarkar stated that the police have so far arrested only two out of the five accused. He requested the police to apprehend the remaining accused without further delay.

He expressed concern over the suspicious death of a resident of the Babu Jagjivan Ram Hostel, located within the same campus, on November 6. Nalavarkar alleged that the failure of authorities and police to take strict action following the previous attack has created an atmosphere of fear among students. He demanded a comprehensive probe into this death and strict action against those responsible.

Making serious allegations, Manjunath Nalavarkar stated that government hostels have now become hubs for antisocial activities. He claimed that tobacco products, cigarettes, ganja, and alcohol have been found in several rooms. Furthermore, outsiders enter and stay within the hostel premises during the night. Such activities are hindering the education of economically backward students who depend on government hostels.

To improve this situation, he demanded the establishment of a permanent police outpost in the hostel, installation of CCTV cameras on every floor, and the implementation of a biometric access system to ensure only authorised residents can enter. Along with this, he demanded weekly inspections by officials from the Social Welfare Department. He appealed for strict action against the entry of outsiders into the hostel premises as well as the possession and consumption of intoxicants.

Nalavarkar further alleged that during such incidents, some organisations, instead of supporting the victims, attempt to pressure officials and extort money. He urged the authorities to ensure accountability and restore a secure educational environment in government hostels. According to a report by The Hindu, these demands were presented through the press conference.