Hostel Warden Sacked and Arrested Over Anti-Kannada Diktat

New Delhi, January 6, 2026: Linguistic tensions have flared in Bengaluru following a controversial incident at a private engineering college hostel. On January 5, 2026, the warden of the AMC Engineering College boys’ hostel, identified as Suresh P.V., was arrested by the Bannerghatta police. The arrest was triggered by a viral video in which the warden was observed strictly prohibiting students from speaking in Kannada, the local language of Karnataka, and insisting they communicate only in Hindi while on the premises.

“Speak at Home”: The Viral Diktat

The controversy was ignited by a mobile phone recording made by students during a heated argument with the warden on New Year’s Day. In the footage, Suresh was heard telling a student, “If you want to speak in Kannada, do it at home; don’t do it here.” When students asserted their right to speak their mother tongue, the warden allegedly claimed that permission from the college administration was required to speak Kannada on campus. The video quickly amassed millions of views, drawing sharp condemnation from across the state.

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Massive Protests and Legal Intervention

The viral video prompted an immediate and fierce reaction from pro-Kannada organizations and student activists. Protesters, led by groups like Yuva Karnataka Vedike, were seen gathering in front of the college gates on Bannerghatta Road, demanding the warden’s immediate removal. Following a formal complaint by activist Mahesh Hatti, the police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Specifically, Suresh was booked under sections related to promoting enmity between linguistic groups and intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of peace.

Immediate Dismissal by College Authorities

In response to the escalating public outrage and the legal proceedings, the management of AMC Engineering College took swift disciplinary action. A dismissal letter was issued by the principal, stating that the warden was being removed from his duties with immediate effect in the interest of the institution. It was reported that Suresh, originally from Kerala, had been employed as the hostel warden for the past three years. The college administration clarified that no such “Hindi-only” policy existed and emphasized their respect for the local culture.

A State-Wide Debate on Language Rights

As 2026 begins, this incident has reignited a broader debate regarding linguistic pride and the “imposition” of non-local languages in Karnataka. While the legal investigation continues, the suspect has been remanded in judicial custody. The case serves as a stern reminder to institutional heads about the sensitivity of language rights in diverse academic settings. For many residents of Bengaluru, the swift arrest and dismissal are being viewed as a necessary victory for the preservation of the state’s linguistic heritage.