11-Year-Old Dies As Playground Gate Collapses In Malleswaram, Police Investigate BBMP Officials

An 11-year-old boy died after a gate collapsed on him at a BBMP playground in Malleswaram on Sunday, according to police.

Inspector B.R. Jagadeesh said that the incident occurred around 4 p.m. when the boy, Niranjan, a fifth-grade student at a BBMP school, attempted to open the gate to enter the playground. Niranjan, the son of Vijayakumar and Priya, had arrived at Rajashekara Playground on his bicycle. As he tried to open the gate, it suddenly collapsed, causing severe head injuries.

One of the witnesses, Virupakshappa, recalled, "We were playing cricket when Niranjan came with his bicycle. He touched the gate, and it just fell on him. We immediately rushed to lift it off him and took him to the hospital."

Local residents have expressed concerns over the poor condition of the gate and questioned the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) over the lack of maintenance and regular inspections.

Following the incident, Malleswaram police arrived at the playground to begin an investigation.

BBMP executive engineer N. Venkatesh explained, "The gate was constructed two years ago, and in 2022, we handed over the park's maintenance. Unfortunately, no watchman or BBMP officials were present when the incident occurred."

A case has been registered under section 106(1) of the BNS Act (causing death by negligence) against BBMP officials. Inspector Jagadeesh added that an autopsy was performed at KC General Hospital, and the boy's body has been returned to his family.

Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, after visiting the hospital to meet Niranjan's parents, said, "This is a deeply upsetting incident. We will ensure a thorough investigation. No prior complaints about the gate's condition were received, and we had not noticed any damage."

He further stated, "We will seek a report from the responsible authorities. Residents have alleged poor work, but this issue had not come to our attention earlier. We will determine where the negligence occurred."