A minor student in Ballari, Karnataka, accused of attacking fellow hostel residents with an iron rod, resulting in one death and eight injuries, has claimed he faced repeated bullying. The incident occurred on March 7 at Gurukul International School's hostel. Police have taken the Class 9 boy into custody and sent him to a juvenile home.
The attack took place between 10:30 pm and 11 pm on March 7 in the dormitory of Gurukul International School's hostel in Ballari. The accused, a Class 9 student and the only one from Karnataka in the hostel, allegedly used an iron rod from a bed to assault several peers. One student died from the blows, while eight others, including the hostel warden, were injured. The boy also reportedly struck the warden and a driver who intervened before fleeing the scene.
Ballari Deputy Superintendent of Police Govindraj stated that during counseling, the minor described ongoing harassment. "He said they repeatedly harassed him and did not treat him well," Govindraj said. The boy claimed peers mocked and excluded him, particularly during cricket games, where they would not let him play unless he obeyed them. He overheard discussions about ragging him, which enraged him after repeated incidents.
Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pannaker added that the boy struck one victim forcefully, leading to the death, and assaulted the warden. Of the injured, two—a minor student and the warden—remain under treatment, while five have been discharged.
The minor was arrested on Monday and placed in a juvenile home. Mental health consultant psychiatrist Raghavendra Wagole highlighted the effects of isolation and humiliation. "Loneliness hurts because human beings are biologically hardwired for social connection," he said, noting it can trigger stress responses leading to anger or violence. The school chairman did not respond to requests for comment.