Nearly a month after the tragic wall collapse at the premises of Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital that claimed seven lives, the Commercial Street Police have registered an FIR against a contractor and his company on charges including causing death due to negligence.
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Chandru, Executive Engineer with the Health and Family Welfare Engineering Wing, Arogya Soudha.
According to the complaint, the Karnataka government had constituted a technical committee to probe the April incident in which seven people were killed after a retaining wall and compound structure collapsed. Based on its findings, a complaint has now been filed. The FIR names ASR Traders based in Chennai.
The complaint stated that demolition work of old buildings at the premises earmarked for the construction of the new nursing college and research institute building of the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital Medical College and Research Institute had been entrusted to Chennai-based ASR Traders in 2017.
However, it is alleged that the contractor failed to scientifically clear and dispose of the demolished structures and debris, instead leaving them abandoned at the site, which reportedly contributed to the mishap. Following an inspection by senior government officials at the Bowring Hospital premises, authorities observed serious lapses and recommended criminal action against the contractor.
Officials said notices seeking an explanation were sent to the contractor through email on May 14, directing him to respond before May 18. However, authorities claimed no response was received from the firm. The complaint further stated that senior government officials who inspected the site found serious lapses in safety and demolition practices and recommended criminal action against the contractor for negligence and violation of safety norms.
The police have now initiated legal proceedings and further investigation into the incident is under way.