By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Bengaluru: The Bannerghatta police have taken action against six students of an international school located on the outskirts of Bengaluru and arrested the hostel warden after a 15-year-old student reported being harassed in the school hostel earlier this month.
Complaint filed after repeated harassment
According to the police, the boy was subjected to repeated acts of harassment by six senior students in the hostel between September 3 and 6. The student eventually approached the warden, but his grievance was not addressed appropriately.
Instead of intervening, the warden reportedly dismissed the matter as a minor issue. Later, he informed the boy’s parents, who immediately approached the police and lodged a formal complaint.
Police investigation and charges
Following the complaint, the police booked the six senior students and arrested the warden on charges of negligence. Cases have been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Juvenile Justice Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
A police officer stated, “The warden ignored the complaint and failed to take timely action. His negligence has led to legal action against him.”
The police confirmed that the principal of the school has also appeared for questioning in connection with the incident.
Student safety under focus
The case has highlighted once again the urgent need for robust safety mechanisms in schools and hostels. Child rights activists have long stressed that preventive steps—such as awareness sessions, effective grievance redressal, and stricter monitoring by wardens and teachers—are essential to ensure a safe learning environment.
Experts note that lack of timely intervention in such cases can lead to serious consequences for victims and affect the reputation of institutions.
Previous incident adds to concerns
This development comes just months after a tragic case in July, when a 22-year-old engineering student from Hassan, studying in Bengaluru’s Reva University, took his own life following online harassment by peers. That case too had raised questions about the adequacy of support systems in educational institutions.
Call for accountability
With the Bannerghatta case under investigation, stakeholders have called for greater accountability from schools and hostel administrations. Ensuring that staff are trained to handle sensitive complaints, and that reporting mechanisms are accessible and effective, has been identified as a priority.
Activists also suggest that school managements must strengthen collaborations with parents, counsellors, and law enforcement agencies to build trust and prevent similar incidents in future.
The Bannerghatta incident underscores the importance of vigilance, accountability, and proactive measures in maintaining safe hostel environments. While police investigations continue, the case is expected to reignite conversations about child safety in schools, the role of wardens, and the need for comprehensive preventive strategies.
