Mangaluru sports hostel inspected, Lokayukta flags worm-infested food, fund misuse: Report
Mangaluru: An impromptu inspection of the Dakshina Kannada district's Sports Boys and Girls Hostel in Mannagudda by the Karnataka Lokayukta has exposed alarming lapses in food quality, accommodation, and fund utilisation.
The investigation, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Dr. Gana P. Kumar, along with Inspectors Bharathi J. and Ravi Pawar, revealed unhygienic conditions in the hostel’s kitchen, including worm-infested rice and substandard cooking oil, as reported by Deccan Herald on Saturday.
The inspection team also noted the absence of a stock register at the facility, which houses around thirty students. The athletes residing there have reportedly been receiving poor-quality, non-nutritious meals, and have been forced to eat in a cramped, shared space due to limited dining facilities.
The hostel's infrastructure is also reportedly inadequate, with five students squeezed into a single room. Despite government funds being allocated for sports equipment, parents have had to purchase supplies for their children for nearly half the year. Additionally, the shoes distributed under the grant were of such poor quality that they wore out within weeks.
Furthermore, parents had to bear travel expenses for sporting events, suggesting misuse of government grants, added the report.
The Lokayukta inspection further revealed a lack of basic facilities, such as telephone services for the students and non-functional computers. Despite the students' frequent absences from class due to sports commitments, there were no provisions for academic support, counselling, or regular health check-ups.
Irregularities were also found in food supply contracts, stock verification, and the renewal of tenders.
In a concerning revelation, the Lokayukta found that despite their offices being located just 100 metres away at Mangala Stadium, the Assistant Director and Deputy Director of Youth Empowerment and Sports had never inspected the hostel, added DH.
Lokayukta SP (in-charge) Kumarachandra mentioned that a detailed report would be submitted for further action.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka: College student dies by suicide in Dharwad, 3 policemen suspended
Dharwad (Karnataka) (PTI): A college student allegedly died by suicide here, following which three policemen were suspended over allegations of harassment linked to his death by the victim's family.
Aditya Myageri, a BSc student at a private college here, was among 18 students detained by the Vidyagiri police on April 25 during an anti-drug drive, police said on Wednesday.
He hailed from Belur village in Bagalkot district, but was staying with his friends at a rented accommodation in Girinagar area of Dharwad city, police said.
Among the 18 students tested, Aditya was among the 10 who had tested negative for ganja consumption and was subsequently released.
Some of his roommates, however, tested positive.
According to police, Aditya's family alleged that despite testing negative, he was harassed by police. They also claimed some policemen demanded Rs 2,000 to settle the matter and threatened legal action if he failed to pay.
He had called his mother asking for money, but she could not arrange it immediately, the family claimed.
On Monday night, Aditya allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his rented accommodation, with his family alleging police harassment and pressure over demand for money drove him to the extreme step, a senior police officer said.
Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar told PTI that an unnatural death case has been registered at Vidyagiri police station. Three policemen have been suspended over the allegations, and further investigation is underway.
