A special investigation team has been set up by the Karnataka Lokayukta to look into the tragic incident at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru, where seven individuals lost their lives due to a wall collapse. The incident occurred during heavy rain, hail, and a thunderstorm on April 29, claiming the lives of seven people, including a young girl and two tourists from Kerala. The team, which includes a Superintendent of Police as the Investigating Officer, is currently conducting meetings and planning to issue notices for questioning.
Discussions are ongoing within the investigation team at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bengaluru, focusing on identifying individuals to be questioned in relation to the incident. Dean of Bowring Hospital, Manoj Kumar H.V., is expected to provide crucial information during these discussions. The team, led by Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil, aims to complete the investigation and submit a report by May 16. Following the tragedy, Justice Patil visited the site and issued a stern warning, leading to the formation of a dedicated team for a detailed investigation.
An engineering team has already collected samples from the site, including cement, soil, stones, and other materials, for analysis. The investigation team plans to summon hospital administration members for questioning based on these samples. Parallel investigations are underway, with the Deputy Commissioner overseeing one probe, alongside efforts by the engineering team and the Lokayukta. The compound wall, constructed of cement and bricks near the accident ward gate, collapsed during the heavy rainfall, resulting in injuries to seven individuals, including five women.
The Karnataka government has ordered a statewide audit of hospital premises, particularly in Bengaluru, following the tragic incident at Bowring Hospital. Lokayukta Justice Patil initiated a suo motu probe into the wall collapse, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation. He also requested a report from the Medical Education Department, with Upalokayukta Justices K.N. Phaneendra and B. Veerappa accompanying him during the site visit.
