Karnataka Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil initiated a suo motu investigation into the collapse of a compound wall in Bengaluru that claimed seven lives, including that of a young girl. The tragic incident occurred at Bowring Hospital following heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms.
During his visit to the site, Justice Patil emphasized the need to hold Bengaluru civic authorities accountable for the disaster. He expressed concern over weak structures with public access and stressed the importance of identifying and rectifying potential hazards to prevent similar incidents in the future. Justice Patil, along with Upalokayukta Justice K.N. Phaneendra and Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa, inspected the scene and vowed to take necessary actions.
Speaking to the media, Justice Patil highlighted the negligence that led to the wall collapse, attributing it to a combination of natural factors and human oversight. He underscored the importance of ensuring safety in public buildings and called for immediate measures to address weak structures. Justice Patil also criticized the permission granted to roadside traders near the collapsed wall, emphasizing the need for safety considerations in such decisions.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and a JD(S) delegation also visited the site, urging authorities to take precautionary steps to prevent similar tragedies. Kharge emphasized the importance of compensating the families of the victims and ensuring the safety of all citizens. The JD(S) delegation demanded compensation for the affected families and immediate assistance for those injured in the incident.
