BBMP: BBMP launches probe after tragic playground accident claims young life | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has launched an investigation into the tragic death of 11-year-old boy Niranjan, who was killed when a rusty gate fell on him. playground on Sampige Road in Malleswaram. A special five-member committee has been set up to investigate.
BBMP chief Tushar Giri Nath told TOI that the committee was tasked with investigating the cause of the accident. He noted that the gate was in a dilapidated condition. “The gate was rusted and that led to the fatal accident. We have already suspended the assistant engineer (AE) and assistant executive engineer (AEE) in-charge of the playground,” he said.
Giri Nath explained that playgrounds are usually managed at the district level where the municipal councillors play a key role. However, since there is no municipal councillor body at present, the responsibility lies with the BBMP officials. “In the absence of the municipal councillors, the engineering team, the revenue department and I are monitoring the matter,” Nath added.
The playground was renovated in 2021 and the gate was installed in 2022. Partial payment for the installation was made in 2022-23. However, Giri Nath said the remaining payment to the contractor would be withheld due to the incident. “We will also take action against the contractor,” he said.
Reacting to the tragedy, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed his condolences. “I have requested an inquiry report and will comment further once the investigation is completed.”
The BBMP's swift response came against the backdrop of growing public concern over safety standards in the city's playgrounds. The committee's findings will play a crucial role in determining the extent of negligence and the measures to be taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who visited the boy's parents at their home on Monday, announced a compensation of Rs 500,000 from the municipal corporation and another Rs 500,000 from the Gandhinagar Block Congress to the family. He also said that the R Gundu Rao Foundation would take responsibility for the complete education of the boy's sister.