Contractor booked for Bowring wall collapse in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Nearly a month after the deadly wall collapse on the premises of Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College and Research Institute claimed seven lives, police have booked the contractor entrusted with demolition and debris-clearing work after a technical probe allegedly found negligence in handling construction waste.

The incident occurred on April 29 on the hospital premises, where old structures were being cleared to make way for a new hospital block. Following the accident, Chandru, the executive engineer, health and family welfare’s engineering wing, constituted a technical committee to investigate the cause of the collapse.

According to officials, the committee found that Chennai-based ASR Traders had failed to scientifically dispose of debris generated during the demolition process. Investigators concluded that large quantities of demolished material were left dumped at the site instead of being properly removed, contributing to the collapse of the barrier and enclosure wall.

Authorities said the demolition and debris-clearing work had been assigned to ASR under a work order and agreement issued on July 1, 2017. The contractor was allegedly responsible for clearing the old buildings before construction of the proposed new hospital facility.

Based on the findings of the technical investigation, the chief secretary directed officials to initiate criminal proceedings against the contractor. Officials said a notice seeking clarification was issued to the firm through official email on May 14, asking it to respond by May 18. However, no explanation was submitted.

Subsequently, Commercial Street police registered a case under Section 106 of the (causing death by negligence).