Ballari hostel rampage: Minor student killed, 7 injured

A violent hostel attack in Ballari leaves one student dead and seven injured, prompting police investigation and allegations of negligence.

A Class 9 student allegedly went on a violent rampage at the hostel of a private residential school on Talur Road in Ballari district late on Saturday (March 7, 2026) night, killing a classmate and injuring seven others, including a girl student and the hostel warden.

The incident occurred at the Gurukul Hostel attached to the Gurukul International School. According to the police, the accused minor allegedly attacked his classmates with an iron bed rod following a minor dispute after dinner. The attack took place while the victims were reportedly asleep.

The injured were rushed to the Ballari Medical College and Research Centre (BMCRC) hospital in Ballari. Medical authorities stated that while some students are stable, others remain in serious condition. The hostel warden, identified as Blessy, also sustained injuries while attempting to intervene.

While the school management has termed the incident an assault with an iron rod, Lakshmikant, the father of the deceased boy, alleged in his complaint that his son was stabbed with a knife and that the attack was intentional. The victim’s family has also raised several questions regarding the incident. 

The victim’s parents have also held the school administration accountable for the security lapse. “How could a minor carry out such a brutal assault inside a monitored hostel premises?” the victim’s father questioned. He also demanded a stringent legal action against both the accused minor and the hostel’s administrative officer for negligence.

The Brucepet police have registered a case based on the victim’s father’s complaint.