Bengaluru, May 12 (IANS) The enquiry report in connection with the collapse of a compound wall at Bowring Hospital that claimed seven lives, including that of a child, was submitted to the Karnataka government on Tuesday. Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner G. Jagadeesha has submitted the report.

According to sources, the report noted that a cricket net facility had been created near the wall. Sources further said the hospital administration had allegedly developed a stadium-like cricket practice area near the wall using CSR funds provided by a donor.

The report has held the negligence and irresponsibility of Health Department engineers, contractors, and the hospital administration responsible for the tragedy.

It can be recalled that the wall collapse incident had occurred during unprecedented heavy rains and hailstorms recently near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru.

The enquiry report identified the dumping of large quantities of soil adjacent to the wall as the primary reason behind the collapse.

According to the findings, the contractor and Health Department engineers failed to remove the soil piled up next to the wall at the appropriate time, which weakened the structure.

The report further stated that nearly six feet of soil had been heaped against the eight-foot wall, placing excessive pressure on it.

The enquiry reportedly observed that the soil was dumped to facilitate the creation of the cricket net facility and pointed to negligence on the part of the hospital administration in allowing such activity near the compound wall.

Speaking to reporters, Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesha confirmed that the enquiry had been completed and the report submitted to the government.

“The government had ordered an enquiry. We conducted a detailed investigation and submitted the report. I will not disclose what has been mentioned in it. I have submitted it in a sealed cover. We have to wait and see what action the government takes,” he said.

The incident took place amid heavy rain, strong winds and hailstorms when the victims were taking shelter near the wall.

The structure suddenly gave way, trapping them under the debris. All seven people died on the spot. Police and emergency services rushed to the site, using an earthmover to recover the bodies and rescue the injured with the help of locals.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site following the incident. His office confirmed the deaths, describing the collapse as tragic.

Karnataka Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil registered a suo motu case after the incident.

He expressed strong displeasure, warning of action against responsible officials and calling for systemic accountability to identify and repair/demolish dilapidated structures statewide to prevent future incidents.

–IANS

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