MYSURU, 3 AUG

Hundreds of students at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Residential School and Science College in Tagadur protested over the weekend, alleging that the food served in their hostel was often stale, worm-infested and contained cockroaches and insects. The hostel is located in the Varuna Assembly constituency, represented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The protest began on Saturday night and continued into Sunday after repeated complaints to the school principal and government officials yielded no response. Students accused the hostel management of ignoring the government-recommended menu and serving unhygienic meals regularly.

Around 580 students from Class 6 to Second PUC stay on the residential campus. They raised slogans against Principal Vasanthakumari, hostel warden Mahadevappa, and guest lecturer Guruswamy, demanding their immediate suspension for alleged mismanagement and negligence.

Protesters also highlighted the lack of basic facilities. Their demands included clean drinking and utility water, proper maintenance, mesh screens for windows, and the renovation of outdated libraries. Safety concerns were also flagged.

“The problems have continued for over six months, and nothing has been done,” said a student leader.

The students urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to visit the campus personally to take stock of the situation and ensure immediate action.