Seven Killed in Hospital Wall Collapse; Police Book Chennai-Based Firm for Negligence
Nearly a month after the tragic wall collapse at Bengaluru’s Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital that claimed seven lives, police have registered an FIR against a contractor and his company on charges including causing death due to negligence.
The case was filed based on a complaint lodged by Chandru, Executive Engineer of the Health and Family Welfare Engineering Wing at Arogya Soudha. According to the complaint, the demolition work for old buildings at the hospital complex had been assigned in 2017 to Chennai-based ASR Traders for the construction of a new nursing college and research institute building.
Contractor Accused of Ignoring Safety Norms
As per the complaint, the contractor allegedly failed to scientifically remove and dispose of the demolished structures and debris. Instead, the debris was reportedly abandoned at the construction site, which authorities believe contributed to the fatal collapse.
Officials further alleged that senior government authorities who inspected the site discovered serious lapses in demolition and security procedures. Based on these findings, criminal action was recommended against the contractor for negligence and violation of safety regulations.
Following the inspection, the Karnataka government constituted a technical committee to investigate the incident. Based on the committee’s findings, police registered an FIR naming ASR Traders in connection with the accident.
Notice Issued to Contractor, No Response Received
Officials stated that a notice seeking an explanation was sent to the contractor via email on May 14, directing the firm to respond by May 18. However, authorities claimed that no reply was received from the company.
Police have now initiated legal proceedings, and further investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Karnataka High Court Earlier Quashed Engineer’s Suspension
Earlier, the Karnataka High Court had quashed the suspension of the executive engineer in connection with the incident. The court observed that there was no prima facie evidence of gross dereliction of duty against the official in the tragic wall collapse case.
The incident at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital had sparked widespread concern over construction safety standards and accountability in public infrastructure projects across Karnataka.
