Northeast Students Allege Assault Following Hostel Dispute in Kakinada
ANDHRA PRADESH, August 23:
A dispute over a missing mobile phone at R.K. College of Nursing in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, escalated into a confrontation between students from the Northeast and local Telugu-speaking students on August 21, prompting intervention by senior district officials.
According to reports, the dispute began after a mobile phone belonging to a Northeast student reportedly went missing while it was kept on charge. The matter later escalated after students raised concerns over the alleged theft and approached the police.
Tensions reportedly grew inside the hostel, with accounts from students alleging that the confrontation turned physical. Videos and reports circulating online have shown some Northeast students with injuries, although the circumstances and responsibility for the injuries have not been independently established.
Prof. Ajailiu Niumai, Secretary of the North East Connect Association (NECA), said the students had previously complained about belongings, including clothes and luggage, allegedly going missing from the hostel when they travelled home.
Niumai said the latest incident caused considerable distress among the Northeast students, particularly after the missing phone was reportedly recovered without its SIM card and charger. She said the students had sought police intervention but alleged that their initial request for an FIR was not accepted.
According to Niumai's account, the situation subsequently became heated and local residents and students allegedly became involved in the confrontation. Police, including women personnel, arrived at the hostel to bring the situation under control.
The account also alleges that there was an altercation involving women police personnel as they attempted to intervene. These allegations have not been independently verified, and the police version of the confrontation was not immediately available.
Niumai said the police and district administration later assured the students that they would not be removed from the hostel and that steps would be taken to resolve the matter. The Northeast students were subsequently shifted to separate accommodation as a precautionary measure.
Authorities also arranged separate accommodation for 31 students from other states, with the move described as a precaution to prevent further escalation. The district administration and police were deployed to ensure the safety of the students and restore normalcy on the campus.
The matter has also drawn intervention from the Andhra Pradesh government. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the incident and directed senior officials to resolve the issue and ensure the safety and security of the students.
Kakinada District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and Superintendent of Police G. Bindu Madhav visited the area and took steps to prevent further escalation. Officials subsequently held discussions with the students and worked to restore peace on the campus.
Robin Hibu, IPS, president of Helping Hands, said he had taken up the matter with the Andhra Pradesh DGP and sought immediate intervention. He also said Helping Hands volunteers were being sent to Kakinada to assist the students.
Hibu further urged state authorities, community organisations and student bodies from the Northeast to take up the matter with the concerned authorities and ensure that the students' concerns were addressed.
The situation was later reported to be under control, with the students from the Northeast expressing satisfaction with the safety arrangements made by the administration. Officials are expected to continue discussions with the students to maintain peace and harmony on the campus.
The incident has nevertheless raised concerns over student safety and the handling of disputes involving students from different regions. Further details regarding the alleged theft, the confrontation and any possible police case are awaited.
