A post-matric SC/ST girls' hostel in Basavanabagewadi witnessed protests after a student alleged assault by the head cook over library access during exam preparations
A student at the Ambedkar SC/ST Post-Matric Girls' Hostel in Basavanabagewadi, Vijayapura district, alleged that she was assaulted by the hostel's head cook following a dispute over studying in the library after 10 pm. The incident triggered protests by hostel inmates, prompting immediate action by the Social Welfare Department, which suspended the head cook, transferred the warden and removed six outsourced staff members pending further inquiry.
Vijayapura: A dispute over library access at the Ambedkar SC/ST Post-Matric Girls' Hostel in Basavanabagewadi escalated into protests after a student alleged that she was physically assaulted by the hostel's head cook during an argument on Saturday night.
The incident has drawn the attention of the Social Welfare Department, which has initiated disciplinary action against the staff concerned while ordering a detailed investigation into the allegations raised by students.
Basavanabagewadi Hostel Student Alleges Assault in Vijayapura
According to the students, several inmates were studying in the hostel library as examinations were approaching. One of the students, identified as Gangotri, had requested permission to continue studying in the library during the night.
Also Read: Bagali Temple Well Accident Kills 10-Year-Old Boy in Vijayanagara
The request reportedly led to an argument after head cook Geeta informed the students that the library could not be used after 10 pm and instructed them to continue their studies in their respective rooms.
The verbal exchange allegedly intensified, during which the head cook is accused of slapping the student and verbally abusing her.
The student further alleged that when she attempted to record the incident on her mobile phone, the head cook, along with other staff members, assaulted her, causing injuries.
"The student alleged that she was assaulted after attempting to record the incident on her mobile phone."
Students Stage Protest at SC/ST Girls' Hostel in Vijayapura
As the incident occurred late on Saturday night, the students did not immediately launch a protest. On Sunday morning, they staged a dharna outside the hostel demanding action against those responsible.
During the protest, students also raised concerns over the quality of food served at the hostel and alleged a lack of basic facilities for residents.
Leaders of various pro-Dalit and pro-Kannada organisations, including local units of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Karave) and the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS), extended support to the students and joined the demonstration.
Social Welfare Department Takes Immediate Action
As the protest gained momentum, Vijayapura District Social Welfare Department Deputy Director Mahesh Poddar visited the hostel and interacted with the students to hear their grievances.
Following the inquiry, the department suspended the accused head cook, Geeta, and transferred the hostel warden on allegations of negligence in duty.
The department also terminated the services of six outsourced staff members, including kitchen personnel, pending further administrative action.
"The accused head cook has been suspended, the hostel warden has been transferred, and six outsourced staff members have been removed. A thorough investigation will be conducted," Deputy Director Mahesh Poddar told reporters.
New Staff to Be Appointed After Student Protest in Vijayapura
Officials assured the protesting students that new staff, including a new warden and head cook, would be appointed by Monday evening to ensure the smooth functioning of the hostel.
After receiving these assurances and confirmation of departmental action, the students agreed to withdraw their protest.
The Social Welfare Department has stated that a detailed inquiry will examine all allegations made against the hostel administration, including complaints regarding staff conduct, hostel management, food quality and other facilities provided to students.
