Bangalore: The family members emphasized the lack of signboards, proper barricades, and safety measures surrounding the 20-foot-deep pothole. On Monday, the Kengeri traffic police filed a case against the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) after a 20-year-old man died and two others were injured when they fell into the 20-foot-deep open pothole dug by the civic body for laying drinking water pipelines.
The police reported that the incident occurred in the Arunachalam layout near Ullal close to Kengeri. The deceased was identified as Saddam Pasha, while the injured individuals were Imran Pasha (21) and Mubarak Pasha (19).
Kengeri traffic police inspector P. Lakshman stated that the incident happened on Sunday at around 8:45 pm when the three individuals were riding a scooter. They collided with a barricade positioned in the middle of the road beside the ditch and failed to see the 20-foot-deep hole.
“We have filed a case under IPC Sections 279 (rash and negligent driving), 337 (causing harm), and negligence leading to death against the engineer and contractor. The investigation is ongoing. Additionally, a case has been filed against Saddam Pasha for triple riding,” he said.
The complaint against the BWSSB was lodged by Umran Pasha at the Kengeri traffic police station. The incident has sparked anger and outrage among the victims’ families and local residents, who blamed the BWSSB and the contractor for the wrongful deaths and injuries due to the lack of safety measures at the construction site.
The deceased’s family expressed their grief and anger over the incident, pointing out the absence of signboards, proper barricades, and safety measures around the 20-foot-deep pothole in the middle of the road.
BWSSB chairman V. Ram Prasath Manohar said, “The BWSSB regrets the tragic incident in which a man lost his life and two others were injured after falling into the pit near Kommaghatta Circle. Board officials visited the site on Monday and submitted a preliminary report after learning of the accident.”
An FIR has been filed with the police, who have initiated an investigation. Manohar assured that if any shortcomings are found in the investigation report, the BWSSB will take appropriate action.
