Over 700 deaths by negligence in Bengaluru, only two convictions in four years: Report
Bengaluru: Bengaluru has reported 707 cases of death by negligence since 2020, yet only two of these cases have resulted in convictions, highlighting significant challenges victims face in seeking justice.
Data accessed by the Deccan Herald revealed that 378 cases are currently under trial, 155 are under investigation, while 135 have been closed due to “false reporting” and 62 resulted in acquittals.
These negligence-related deaths were related to substandard civic infrastructure, roads, rain-related incidents, electrocution, factory accidents, among others. Alarmingly, 10-15 percent of these cases each year pertain to negligence involving civic agencies.
Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), death by negligence was punished with two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the punishment has been increased to five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The recent collapse of an under-construction apartment building in Bengaluru on October 22, which claimed at least nine lives, drew significant attention and led to a quick police case. However, in many negligence cases, even filing a police complaint can be a struggle.
A police officer investigating the Babusapalya case noted that in cases where a single labourer is killed, the victim’s family often opt for “settlement” with the accused due to their poor financial situation. “A large number of cases marked as false reporting are also the result of such settlements. Complainants either don’t cooperate during evidence gathering or just withdraw the case,” the officer was quoted as saying by DH.
In many instances, “settlement” cases are ultimately categorised as Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs), primarily involving fatalities at construction sites and factories. According to the officer, proving a case of death by negligence is complex and requires extensive technical work.
Saidulu Adavath, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), explained that the word ‘negligence’ has not been well-defined, therefore making careful investigations essential. He told the news outlet that when a complainant alleges negligence, there is a need to establish the acts that are actually negligent and then proceed with technical analysis to prove them. “Even a minor hiccup can cause the case to falter,” he added.
According to the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Bengaluru has emerged as the leading metropolitan city for deaths due to negligence from civic bodies.
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Bhatkal: New Shams School pays tribute to SM Syed Khalil
Bhatkal: The management and students of New Shams School gathered during their morning assembly on Saturday to mourn the demise of SM Syed Khalil, a prominent NRI businessman and a guiding force for the school.
Addressing the assembly, Education Board member Moulana Ziya Ruknuddin reflected on Syed Khalil’s remarkable life journey. He highlighted how Khalil, born under challenging circumstances following his father’s death before his birth, overcame significant obstacles to achieve great success.
“Khalil’s life is an inspiration for all of us,” Maulana Ruknuddin said, urging students to draw lessons from his resilience, dedication, and humility. He also emphasized Khalil’s commitment to supporting education and his role in uplifting the people of Bhatkal.
Moulana Ziya further acknowledged Khalil’s contributions to the school, noting his instrumental role in constructing the new campus of New Shams School. He described Khalil as a mentor and guide who was always available to offer his support and vision for the betterment of the institution.
Principal Liyaquat Ali and Board Secretary Syed Qutub Barmawar also attended the ceremony, along with teachers and other staff members, as they joined the students in paying tribute to the beloved community leader.
