Hubli News: Suspected classmate in brutal on-campus murder

A horrific incident unfolded on Thursday at a college in Hubballi, Karnataka, leaving the community in shock after a young student was brutally attacked. Neha Hiremath, a 24-year-old Master of Computer Applications (MCA) student and daughter of Congress Party corporator Niranjan Hiremath, was stabbed multiple times by a senior student identified as Fayazz. The shocking crime, committed in broad daylight on the college campus, has sparked outrage and raised urgent concerns about student safety.

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

According to witnesses, Fayazz had been waiting near the college premises, his face concealed with a mask. As Neha exited the campus, he ambushed her and stabbed her multiple times before fleeing the scene. Bystanders quickly alerted authorities, and Neha was rushed to KIMS Hospital in critical condition. Despite desperate efforts by medical teams, she succumbed to her injuries.

The police acted swiftly, tracking down Fayazz within hours of the attack. He was arrested and is currently in custody, though the exact motive behind the crime is still under investigation.

A Pattern of Harassment and Obsession

Preliminary police reports suggest that the attack was the result of months of harassment. Fayazz, a senior at the college, had reportedly developed an unhealthy obsession with Neha. Investigators revealed that he had recently proposed to her, but after she rejected his advances, he became increasingly aggressive. Friends of the accused claim that he had even made threats to harm her in the past.

Neha’s family and friends confirmed that she had spoken about Fayazz’s persistent harassment. However, it remains unclear whether formal complaints were filed with the college administration or local authorities before the attack. This lack of intervention has intensified public anger, with many questioning whether the institution failed in its duty to protect students.

Political Outcry and Community Grief

The victim’s father, Niranjan Hiremath, is a prominent Congress Party member, which has added a political dimension to the case. Senior Congress leaders, including MLA Prasad Abbayya, visited the hospital to offer their condolences to Neha’s grieving family. The incident has also triggered protests, with student organizations and political groups demanding swift justice and stricter measures to prevent violence on campuses.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the Congress-led state government, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order. The tragedy has quickly become a political flashpoint in Karnataka, with opposition parties calling for accountability.

Calls for Action and Campus Safety

Neha’s murder has reignited discussions on harassment and violence within educational institutions. Students and activists are urging colleges to implement stronger protective measures, including anti-harassment committees, counseling services, and stricter monitoring of student interactions. Many argue that institutions often ignore warning signs until it’s too late.

Protesters are also demanding fast-track legal proceedings to ensure Fayazz is brought to justice without delay. “This isn’t just about one case—it’s about setting a precedent that such crimes will not be tolerated,” said a member of a student union leading the demonstrations.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the attack. Police are interviewing Neha’s friends, classmates, and family members to build a detailed timeline. The investigation is focused on determining whether Fayazz acted alone, how he planned the assault, and whether anyone else was aware of his intentions. Forensic teams are also examining the crime scene and analyzing the weapon used in the attack.

The accused is expected to face charges of murder, stalking, and criminal intimidation. Legal experts note that Karnataka’s laws against gender-based violence, including the Karnataka Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, could lead to enhanced penalties if prosecutors establish a pattern of harassment.

A Community in Mourning

Neha’s funeral saw an outpouring of grief, with hundreds of mourners—including classmates, teachers, and local residents—coming together to pay their last respects. Described as a bright and ambitious student, her untimely death has left her community devastated. “She was always smiling and wanted to make a difference in the tech world,” a friend shared. “No one ever imagined her life would end this way.”

As the investigation continues, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers students—especially women—face in educational spaces. Families and activists are now urging institutions to prioritize student safety over reputation, ensuring that such crimes are prevented in the future.

The Road Ahead

While securing justice for Neha remains the immediate priority, long-term changes are essential to prevent similar tragedies. Advocacy groups emphasize the need for gender sensitivity programs, accessible mental health support for students, and stronger mechanisms for reporting harassment. For now, the Hubballi case stands as a wake-up call for colleges nationwide to take campus safety seriously—before another promising life is cut short by preventable violence.