Monkey Menace Escalates at Karnatak University, Injuring Research Scholar
The city of Dharwad, already struggling with a significant stray dog population, is now confronting a new and alarming threat: a growing monkey menace on the Karnatak University campus. This issue has escalated from a nuisance to a serious safety hazard, culminating in a severe injury to a woman research scholar.
Terrace Fall Follows Simian Intrusion
On Thursday morning, a distressing incident highlighted the danger. Evangeline, a PhD scholar from Kalaburagi conducting research in the university's zoology department, was studying on the terrace of the Saraswati Women's Hostel. According to fellow students, a lack of adequate study rooms within the hostel forces many residents to use the terrace during mornings and evenings.
The peaceful study session turned chaotic when a group of monkeys suddenly jumped onto the terrace from nearby trees. Startled by the intrusion, Evangeline moved quickly towards the edge of the terrace, lost her balance, and fell. While she fortunately escaped head injuries, she suffered severe fractures to her thigh and leg.
Emergency Response and Student Outcry
Fellow students immediately rushed the injured scholar to a private hospital, where doctors performed necessary surgery. She is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit and is reported to be out of danger. Her parents have since arrived in Dharwad, and the student body has collectively contributed Rs 30,000 towards her medical expenses.
This incident has ignited strong reactions from the student community. Students allege they have repeatedly complained to the university administration about the unchecked movement of monkeys and requested protective measures, but no concrete action was taken. They state the event exposes the constant fear students endure, even within supposed safe spaces like hostel premises.
Administrative Response and Conflicting Accounts
In response to the incident, Vice-Chancellor Prof AM Khan provided a statement. He confirmed the student had undergone surgery for her injuries and assured that the matter would be investigated. However, his account of the event differed slightly, stating the student had gone to the terrace early in the morning when a monkey suddenly appeared, and she slipped and fell while trying to come down.
Prof Khan also noted that study rooms are available in the hostel, contradicting student claims about the lack of such facilities forcing terrace use.
Broader Campus Safety Concerns
This incident has amplified existing worries about safety on and around educational campuses in Dharwad. With the dual problems of stray dogs and now aggressive monkeys, students are demanding urgent and effective intervention from authorities. The monkey menace, in particular, has created an environment of fear, especially for hostel inmates who feel vulnerable in their own living and study spaces.
The call for action is clear: students seek not just immediate measures to control the simian population but also a comprehensive review of campus safety protocols to prevent such dangerous incidents in the future.
