Class 9 student attacks hostel inmates with iron rod, one dead in Ballari

Ballari: Panic gripped a Gurukula residential school hostel in Ballari after a Class 9 student allegedly carried out a violent attack on fellow students and a hostel warden using an iron rod late on Saturday night. The shocking incident resulted in the death of one student while several others sustained injuries.

Sources said the incident occurred after dinner when students had returned to their dormitories and were asleep. The accused student allegedly pulled out an iron rod from one of the hostel beds and began attacking those around him without warning.

During the sudden assault, one student sustained critical injuries and died, while at least seven other boys and the hostel warden were injured. The injured were rushed to hospitals in Ballari, including the Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences, where doctors are providing treatment.

Immediately after carrying out the attack, the accused student reportedly escaped from the hostel premises. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the attack.

A case has been registered at the Brucepete Police Station and police teams have launched an investigation. Officers visited the hostel and hospitals soon after receiving information about the incident and began collecting evidence and statements from students and staff.

The incident triggered panic among parents, many of whom rushed to the hospital late at night after receiving calls from the school authorities.

Lakshmikant, father of the deceased student, blamed the hostel management for negligence and said proper supervision could have prevented the tragedy. “We received a call around 11.30 pm asking us to come to the hospital. When we arrived, we came to know that our son had been killed,” he said.

He further suspected that the accused student might have been mentally unstable or under the influence of drugs, though officials have not yet confirmed these claims.

Village panchayat president Ramareddy also expressed grief over the death and called for strict action against those responsible. He said hostel authorities must closely monitor the behaviour and mental health of students staying in residential institutions.

Police officials said investigations are ongoing and further details will emerge after questioning students and staff members.