Stage contractor surrenders before court

Chennai, Jan 3 (UNI) A contractor, who was instrumental in erecting the makeshift dais over a swimming pool in a star hotel in the city, that collapsed killing one person during New Year eve revelry, surrendered before a court here today.

Police sources said Contractor Narendra Singh, who had erected the stage, that caved in due to overweight, presented himself before the Saidapet 18th Metropolitan Magistrate.

Narendra had filed an anticipatory bail plea before the Magistrate apprehending arrest in the case.

The surrender of the contractor comes a day after two people, including the General Manager (Marketing) of the hotel, were arrested in connection with the incident.

The sources said after conducting preliminary inquiries, Hotel General Manager Anthony Michael and Ravi, who was working as manager to Narendra, were arrested yesterday.

The police had registered cases under sections 304-A (causing death due to negligence), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt) against the accused and the licensee of the hotel in connection with the incident.

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.

According to the 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 tragic.

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