What Led to the Dismissal of an Andhra Hostel Warden and the Expulsion of Two Students?

Amaravati, Aug 11 (NationPress) In a grave response to the reported incident of ragging and violence against two students by a group of senior peers at a government hostel located in Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, officials took decisive action on Monday. The hostel warden, M. Deepika, has been dismissed, and two students involved in this horrific event have been expelled.

Orders were issued by Palnadu District Collector P. Arun Babu to terminate the employment of the warden and take punitive measures against the hostel watchman, Sanjeshwara Rao.

Additionally, two second-year intermediate students from a junior college, who allegedly participated in the ragging and violence—including administering electric shocks to two first-year students—have faced expulsion. This incident, which took place at the hostel in Dachepalle on August 7, is particularly alarming as one of the victims is reportedly physically challenged.

The shocking events came to public attention after a video showing the brutal treatment of one of the victims went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.

The perpetrators filmed the ragging and even threatened one victim with death. They mercilessly kicked the victim, who pleaded for mercy, and used a live wire to deliver electric shocks.

Following the incident, the victim alerted the hostel warden, who subsequently involved the police. After the video became public on Saturday, law enforcement began an investigation.

A criminal case has been registered against those involved, leading to the arrest of five individuals, while authorities continue to search for two additional suspects.

One victim faced violence due to being in a romantic relationship with his classmate, as one of the accused was also infatuated with the same girl. The other victim was targeted by seniors who demanded he get a haircut of their choosing.

The YSR Congress Party has called for immediate action from the government, highlighting the severity of the situation.

"A disturbing incident has occurred at the BC Boys' Hostel in Dachepalli, where senior students, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, brutally assaulted a junior student. The victim was confined to a room, beaten mercilessly, and threatened with electric shock, turning the hostel into a nightmarish scene. Reports indicate that the same group had previously tortured a differently-abled student in a similar manner. Such ongoing atrocities raise significant concerns regarding the safety and oversight in BC hostels. Immediate government intervention is essential to enforce strict penalties and safeguard hostel students," the YSRCP stated.

Education Minister Nara Lokesh expressed his deep concern regarding the incident. “A thorough investigation is currently in progress. Such despicable behavior has no place in a civilized society. I have instructed that prompt and rigorous legal action be taken to prevent the recurrence of such acts,” he stated in a post on ‘X’.