Dharwad: Even as Dharwad is grappling with the problem of stray dogs, another growing menace — monkeys — has begun to trouble residents, particularly students on the Karnatak University campus. The unchecked movement of monkeys has caused fear among hostel inmates, and the issue came to the fore on Thursday, after a woman research scholar sustained serious injuries following a fall from a hostel terrace.The injured student is a PhD scholar from Kalaburagi, pursuing research in the department of zoology at Karnatak University. She resides at the Saraswati Women’s Hostel located on the campus.
According to students, the hostel lacks adequate study rooms, forcing inmates to use the terrace for studying during mornings and evenings. However, frequent intrusion by monkeys on the terrace has become a major safety concern. On Thursday morning, while Evangeline was studying on the terrace, a group of monkeys jumped in from nearby trees. Startled, she moved towards the edge of the terrace, lost her balance, and fell.She escaped head injuries but suffered severe fractures to her thigh and leg. Fellow students immediately rushed her to a private hospital, where doctors performed surgery. She is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU and is said to be out of danger.Students alleged that they had repeatedly complained to the university administration about the monkey menace and sought protective measures, but no concrete action was taken. They said the incident has exposed the seriousness of the problem and the constant fear students live with, even within hostel premises.Responding to the incident, vice-chancellor Prof AM Khan stated that the student had gone to the terrace early in the morning, when a monkey suddenly appeared. He said she slipped and fell while trying to come down. He also noted that study rooms are available in the hostel and assured that the matter would be looked into. He confirmed that the student had undergone surgery for her injuries.Meanwhile, the injured student’s parents have arrived in Dharwad. The student body has contributed Rs 30,000 towards her medical expenses. With incidents involving stray dogs and now monkeys, students say safety on and around educational campuses has become a growing concern, demanding urgent attention from authorities.
