‘Don’t Speak Kannada’: AMC college’s hostel warning sparks outrage, warden arrested and suspended in Bengaluru

A viral video alleging a ban on speaking Kannada at a private college hostel on Bannerghatta Road has triggered student protests, Kannada organisations’ outrage, police action and the arrest and suspension of the hostel warden.

Bengaluru witnessed fresh language-related tensions after a private college on Bannerghatta Road allegedly warned students against speaking Kannada inside its hostel premises. The incident, linked to AMC College, snowballed into a major controversy following the circulation of a video that went viral on social media.

According to students, the hostel warden allegedly instructed them not to speak Kannada inside the hostel and told them to “speak at home if you want to talk in Kannada.” The students further alleged that they were asked to communicate only in Hindi, calling it an act of disrespect towards Kannada and the local culture.

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The alleged warning shocked women students who had gone to use hostel facilities, triggering immediate anger and protest. Students confronted the warden, surrounded her and questioned the instructions. Visuals of students protesting against the hostel authorities quickly spread online, intensifying public outrage.

Kannada organisations strongly condemned the incident and announced protests against the college. Activists gathered near the campus and prepared to lay siege to the institution at 10 am, accusing the management of insulting the Kannada language and its speakers.

Following student complaints, a formal police complaint was filed against the hostel warden. Bannerghatta police acted swiftly, arresting the accused warden and initiating an investigation into the incident.

Amid mounting pressure, the AMC College management suspended the hostel warden, stating that her conduct was unacceptable. However, Kannada groups maintained that accountability should extend beyond suspension and demanded strict action to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

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Following the outrage over the alleged insult to Kannadigas, the college management has agreed to celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava on the campus within the next two weeks. The decision was taken in response to mounting pressure and protests, with the management acknowledging the concerns raised. Additionally, Hindi-speaking security personnel have been removed from their duties as part of corrective measures announced by the college.