Recent Tragedy in Bengaluru: Mother and Infant Electrocuted Due to Civic Negligence

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Bengaluru Tops National Crime Records Bureau’s List for Deaths Due to Negligence by Civic Bodies

Bengaluru, the vibrant tech city of India, has once again claimed the top spot in the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) report for recording the highest number of deaths due to the negligence of civic bodies. According to the latest data from 2022, Bengaluru has witnessed a staggering 21 deaths resulting from the apathy of civic authorities. This unfortunate record marks the third consecutive year in which Bengaluru has held this dubious distinction.

The NCRB report highlights a concerning trend in the city’s safety standards. In 2018, only three such incidents were reported, but this number surged to 49 in 2019. However, there has been a slight decrease in the past year. Despite this decline, Bengaluru still accounted for over half, or 51 percent, of all negligence-related deaths in India during 2022.

Several major incidents have underscored the gravity of the situation in Bengaluru throughout the year. In December 2022, a tragic incident occurred in Nandini Layout, where a 13-year-old boy lost his life after coming into contact with a high-tension wire. Similarly, in November 2022, a 35-year-old man tragically died when his two-wheeler toppled while navigating through a poorly patched-up road in Rajajinagar.

October 2022 witnessed a series of accidents caused by potholes on Bengaluru’s roads. A 50-year-old woman lost her life in West Bengaluru due to a pothole accident, while a 22-year-old succumbed to a similar incident in Yelahanka. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by inadequate road maintenance.

In a recent and tragic incident that highlighted the negligence of civic authorities, a mother and her nine-month-old daughter were electrocuted to death in November 2023. This devastating event occurred when they came into contact with a live wire hanging on a footpath at Hopefarm. The victims were identified as 23-year-old Soundarya and her daughter Leela. In response, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) has taken action against five officials for their negligence and issued show-cause notices to two senior officers.

Activists and concerned citizens have shed light on the various factors contributing to these deaths due to negligence. Broken footpaths, pothole-ridden roads, loosely hanging cables, and dangerous electricity infrastructure have been identified as major hazards in Bengaluru. The lack of coordination between government agencies has also hindered efforts to fix accountability.

Sandeep Anirudhan, a civic activist from Whitefield, emphasized that the majority of these accidents can be attributed to poor footpaths and deteriorating road conditions. Encroachments and broken footpaths force pedestrians onto the roads, exposing them to significant risks. The alarming number of electrocution deaths in the city is also a cause for concern. Anirudhan stated in a report by Deccan Herald that urgent measures are required to address these issues and ensure the safety of citizens.

As Bengaluru grapples with the persistent problem of deaths resulting from the negligence of civic bodies, there is an urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to improve safety standards. The local authorities must prioritize the maintenance of footpaths and roads, rectify infrastructure flaws, and enhance coordination among different government agencies. Only through such proactive measures can Bengaluru shed its unfortunate reputation and become a safer city for its residents..