Bengaluru: Bannerghatta police on Monday arrested a 54-year-old former serviceman, P V Suresh, for allegedly making derogatory remarks against students for speaking Kannada at AMC Engineering College. Following the incident, the college management dismissed him from his post as hostel warden with immediate effect, citing institutional interest and student welfare.
The arrest came after a video of the confrontation between the warden and hostel students went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage, protests by pro-Kannada organisations and swift action by both the authorities and the institution.
Incident triggered by hygiene complaint
According to police officials, the incident began when a group of hostel students approached Suresh to complain about poor hygiene and sanitation conditions in the hostel premises. The students reportedly raised issues related to cleanliness and maintenance, expecting corrective action from the hostel administration.
However, the discussion escalated when the students spoke in Kannada. Police said Suresh, who is a native of Kerala, objected to the use of Kannada and allegedly told the students not to speak the language on campus. He reportedly asked them to “speak Kannada at home” and asserted that he would decide whether Hindi or Kannada should be used within the hostel and college premises.
A senior police officer said the warden’s reaction to the language used by the students, coupled with his refusal to address their hygiene-related grievances, led to heightened tension and a verbal confrontation.
Video goes viral, sparks outrage
Students recorded a video of the exchange on their mobile phones, which soon circulated widely on social media platforms. The footage drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including student groups, civil society members and pro-Kannada organisations, who accused the warden of disrespecting the State language and local culture.
The viral video intensified pressure on the college management to act swiftly. By Monday afternoon, the institution issued an official dismissal letter stating that P V Suresh had been removed from service “in the interest of the institution.”
College authorities said they do not tolerate any behaviour that undermines students’ dignity, linguistic rights or campus harmony.
Police action and arrest
Based on a complaint and preliminary inquiry, Bannerghatta police registered a first information report (FIR) against Suresh. He was arrested later in the day and produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain whether additional charges are applicable. Officials also confirmed that statements from students and staff members are being recorded.
“The objection to the use of Kannada and the manner in which the students’ concerns were dismissed aggravated the situation. The law will take its course,” a senior officer said.
Pro-Kannada groups stage protest
The incident drew protests from pro-Kannada organisations, which staged demonstrations at the AMC Engineering College campus on Bannerghatta Road. Protesters demanded strict action against the accused and called for measures to ensure respect for Kannada in educational institutions across the State.
Demonstrators said the episode reflected a growing pattern of linguistic insensitivity in private institutions, particularly those employing staff unfamiliar with the local language and culture.
Traffic near the campus was briefly affected as police deployed additional personnel to maintain law and order.
Kannada Development Authority seeks report
Reacting to the incident, Kannada Development Authority (KDA) chairperson Purushottama Bilimale sought an immediate report from the college principal. Describing the episode as part of an “intensifying language conflict,” he expressed concern over recurring disputes related to the use of Kannada in educational spaces.
Bilimale urged the Higher Education Department to mandate that private schools and colleges prioritise hiring staff who are proficient in Kannada and sensitive to local traditions. He also called on the government to establish self-regulatory mechanisms to monitor and address linguistic disputes in private educational institutions.
“Educational institutions must be inclusive spaces where students feel respected. Language should never become a tool of discrimination or intimidation,” Bilimale said.
Debate on language and campus culture
The incident has reignited a broader debate on language rights, inclusivity and administrative accountability in private colleges. Educationists have pointed out that while multilingualism should be encouraged, students must not be penalised or humiliated for using the State language.
Legal experts note that Kannada, being the official language of Karnataka, enjoys constitutional and statutory protection, and denying its use in public or institutional spaces can attract legal consequences under certain circumstances.
Conclusion
The arrest of the former hostel warden and his dismissal from service underline the seriousness with which authorities and institutions are responding to language-related conflicts. As investigations continue, the incident has served as a reminder of the need for cultural sensitivity, respect for linguistic diversity and responsive administration within educational campuses to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for students.