Stage collapse; GM of star hotel arrested

Chennai, Jan 2 (UNI) The General Manager (marketing) of a star hotel in the city was arrested following the collapse of a makeshift dais killing one person during the New Year revelry on December 31 midnight.

Police sources said after conducting preliminary inquiries, Anthony Michael was arrested last night.

Cases have also been registered against Narendar Singh, the contractor, who had erected the stage, and the licensee of the hotel in connection with the incident.

A case of negligence under Section 304 (A) of the IPC was registered against them.

More than 250 people were dancing and partying on the makeshift stage when it collapsed into the swimming pool beneath, killing Sumit Agnihotri, a software professional.

Six others, who sustained injuries were admitted to the hospital.

The condition of two of them were stated to be critical.

According to police, the hotel had collected Rs 3,000 per head for the New Year bash. IT professionals, industrialists and college students were part of the fun-filled evening, before it turned in to tragic moments ahead of ringing in the New Year.

A top hotel official described it as an accident and said there was no negligence on their part.

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