Karnataka minister announces action against contractors, officials in death of 11-year-old boy | Latest news from India

At around 4 pm on Sunday, Niranjan, a Class 5 student of BBMP School, was trying to open the gate of the playground when it suddenly fell down and he sustained fatal head injuries. Though he was rushed to KC General Hospital, the boy died.

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After visiting the victim's house, Rao said, “We will conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action against the contractors and officials responsible for this tragic incident.” He further said that BBMP Commissioner Tushar Girinath has been directed to submit a detailed report on the incident.

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He said no formal complaints had been filed so far. “We will identify those responsible for this negligence and ensure that they are held accountable,” he assured.

The minister also announced financial support from ₹5 lakh from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and additionally ₹5 lakh from the Gandhi Nagar Block Congress Committee. In addition, the R Gundu Rao Foundation (named after former Chief Minister R Gundu Rao) has pledged to bear the education expenses of Niranjan's younger sister.

The boy's parents, Vijay Pawar and Priya, originally from Gadag district, have been living in Vivekananda slum near Guttahalli Palace for the past 15 years. Vijay, a daily wage labourer, and Priya, who works as a domestic help, have blamed the BBMP for their son's death. “The negligence of the BBMP is the reason why my son is gone. He used to go to this place almost every day to play,” said Priya. A case has been filed against the BBMP officials under BNS Section 106(1) (culpable homicide).

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Girinath said, “A committee will be formed, including the chief engineer and BBMP officials, to investigate the boy's death. We will take strict action against any official found guilty of negligence.” He also directed the civic officials to regularly inspect and maintain public places, replace rusted gates and repair broken fences and dangling wires to prevent such tragedies in future.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP for Bengaluru PC Mohan visited the incident site and condemned the BBMP's failure to address the issue despite prior warnings. “This tragic incident could have been avoided. The negligence of the BBMP has cost the life of an 11-year-old boy. I demand a thorough investigation and an immediate audit of all parks to prevent further tragedies. Those responsible must be brought to book,” he said, calling for urgent security measures to protect public spaces.