Bowring hospital tragedy: Lokayukta initiates probe, top Karnataka officials to face inquiry
Bengaluru: In a major development following the fatal wall collapse at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, the Karnataka Lokayukta has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and launched an investigation into alleged negligence that led to the deaths of seven people.
Leading the inquiry, Justice B. S. Patil personally inspected the site along with senior officials. Speaking to reporters, he did not mince words in criticising the authorities. “This is a clear case of extreme negligence. Such incidents should not happen in areas frequented by the public. There is visible failure on part of civic agencies and the medical education department,” he said.
High-level accountability
In a bold step, the Lokayukta has named several top-ranking officials as accused in the case. These include Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, BBMP Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao, civic commissioners, and senior officers from the urban development, water supply, and medical education departments.
Justice Patil emphasized that accountability will not be limited to junior staff. “We will proceed against everyone responsible. Even legislators will not be spared if found guilty. Summons will be issued soon, and all must appear for inquiry,” he warned.
The Lokayukta also questioned systemic lapses that contributed to the tragedy. He highlighted issues such as blocked drains, unattended tree branches, and failure to act on visibly weak structures. “Why were preventive measures not taken? Why was permission granted for activities near a fragile wall? Why is there no accountability even in electrocution-related deaths?” he asked.
Authorities from the medical education department have been directed to submit a detailed report at the earliest. Additionally, instructions have been issued to survey and remove other dangerous structures across Bengaluru to prevent similar incidents.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with citizens demanding strict action against those responsible. The Lokayukta’s intervention is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring accountability and addressing long-standing concerns over civic negligence in the city.
