Student's death triggers protest

More than 250 students of Karnataka State Women’s University boycotted their classes on Friday alleging that the negligence on the part of an ambulance driver, cost the life of a student.

Vijayalakshmi Bhavikatti, 22, (in pic), a resident of Nelogi in Gadag district, died of a heart ailment on the university campus on Thursday.

The university had organised a condolence meeting on Friday. The students, who had assembled at the auditorium before the condolence meeting, began the protest saying that Vijayalakshmi died due to the delay caused by the ambulance driver in taking her to hospital.

They said they won’t budge from the place till action was initiated against the driver. They also sought 24-hour medical facility on the varsity campus, one more ambulance and appointing residential wardens for the hostels.

The university authorities immediately held a meeting and Vice Chancellor Prof S A Khaji interacted with the students. He assured them of fulfilling their promises within a week. Speaking to Deccan Herald, the VC denied any negligence on the part of the ambulance driver. He said that Vijayalakshmi suffered heart attack around 2.30 pm and she was immediately shifted to Al Ameen Medical College Hospital. “The doctor declared her dead at 3 pm and we have records to this effect,” the VC said.

“The parents of Vijayalakshmi have said that she was suffering from heart ailment since the age of 12 and she was under treatment since then. The body was handed over the parents after the post mortem at district hospital,” the VC added.