Bengaluru: A 35-year-old security guard died after bricks from his house roof collapsed on him in Bengaluru, in an incident suspected to be triggered by debris falling from a neighbouring building.
The deceased has been identified as Manjunath, a resident of Kasturba Nagar. The incident occurred while he was resting inside his rented house, highlighting concerns over structural safety amid recent extreme weather conditions in the city.
Incident occurred while victim was alone
According to police, Manjunath was lying on his bed on the second floor of his residence when the accident took place. His wife and son had gone out to attend a function, leaving him alone at home.
Preliminary findings suggest that a heavy sheet, possibly from a nearby building, fell onto the roof of his house. The impact is believed to have caused the roofing sheet to break, leading to bricks placed on top collapsing directly onto him.
The sudden collapse left Manjunath critically injured, resulting in his death on the spot.
Neighbour alerts police
A neighbour noticed the damaged portion of the house and immediately alerted the police as well as Manjunath’s family members.
Emergency responders reached the scene soon after, but the victim had already succumbed to his injuries. The body was later shifted for post-mortem examination.
Case registered for negligence
Police from Chamarajpet station have registered a case under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with causing death by negligence.
The case has been filed against the owner of the neighbouring property following a complaint lodged by the victim’s wife. Authorities are investigating whether negligence in construction or maintenance led to the fatal incident.
Structural safety concerns raised
The incident has once again raised concerns over building safety and unregulated construction practices in Bengaluru, especially in densely populated residential areas.
With the city witnessing heavy rains and strong winds in recent days, the risk of structural damage has increased, making older or poorly maintained buildings more vulnerable.
Residents in several areas have reported loose materials, temporary roofing sheets, and unsecured construction elements posing potential hazards.
Investigation underway
Police officials said further investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to fix responsibility. Statements from neighbours and property owners are being recorded as part of the inquiry.
Civic authorities may also examine whether building norms were violated in the neighbouring structure from where the sheet is suspected to have fallen.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Manjunath underscores the dangers posed by unsafe construction and lack of maintenance, particularly during adverse weather conditions. As Bengaluru continues to face intense rain and wind, the incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety norms to prevent similar accidents in the future.