Bengaluru: A Class 10 student died after falling from the seventh-floor balcony of his apartment on Saturday night after returning from an outing with friends, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and alleged serving of alcohol to a minor at a city pub. Authorities have registered a case and initiated action against the establishment even as the management has denied the allegations.
According to police sources, the incident occurred at an apartment complex located on Dr Vishnuvardhan Road in a suburban part of the city. The teenager had gone out earlier in the evening with school friends and attended a gathering at a brewery. He returned home around 9 pm and was later found critically injured after the fall. He was declared dead around 9.40 pm.
CCTV traces student’s last movements
Investigators have collected CCTV footage from the apartment complex as part of the probe. The footage reportedly shows the boy arriving at the entrance along with friends, who dropped him off before leaving. He is then seen entering the premises and taking the elevator alone to the seventh floor where his family resides.
Police said that instead of entering his flat, the boy is suspected to have gone towards the balcony area. Shortly thereafter, he fell from the building. Officers noted that the balcony railings are relatively high, making the possibility of an accidental slip less likely, though all angles are being examined.
A senior officer said the exact sequence of events in the minutes between the boy reaching the floor and the fall is under detailed scrutiny through video evidence and forensic examination.
Alcohol consumption angle under investigation
During preliminary inquiry, police found that the minor had allegedly consumed alcohol and smoked along with friends at a pub identified as Legacy Brewing Company earlier in the evening. This has triggered a separate line of investigation into possible violations of excise and child protection norms.
Based on initial findings, a case has been registered against the pub owners and staff for allegedly serving alcohol to minors. Police have also initiated proceedings to suspend or cancel the pub’s licence pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officials are now verifying entry records, billing data and CCTV footage from inside the establishment to determine whether alcohol was served to the student by the pub or brought from outside.
Pub management denies serving minor
The pub management has denied the allegation that alcohol was served to the teenager. In its preliminary response to authorities, the establishment claimed that staff did not provide liquor to the minor and that he may have brought alcohol with him when he arrived.
Police said these claims are being cross-checked with surveillance footage, staff statements and witness accounts. Friends who accompanied the boy are also being questioned in the presence of their parents to establish the timeline and nature of the gathering.
Officials indicated that strict liability applies in cases involving minors and alcohol service, and action will follow if violations are established.
Police examining possible triggers
Investigators are probing multiple possible factors that might have contributed to the extreme step. These include fear of parental reaction after alcohol consumption, academic pressure, emotional distress or other personal issues. Digital evidence, including the student’s phone records and messages, is also being examined as part of the probe, following due legal process.
“The exact circumstances under which the boy fell are still being ascertained. At this stage, all angles, including suicide, accidental fall, or other contributing factors, are being investigated,” a senior police officer said.
Family members and close friends are being counselled and interviewed sensitively. Police said care is being taken to avoid speculation until the forensic and technical analysis is complete.
Growing concern over minors and nightlife access
The incident has once again raised concerns about underage access to pubs and breweries in urban areas. Child rights advocates and residents’ groups have called for stricter age verification, tighter enforcement and stronger monitoring of late-evening venues frequented by youngsters.
Excise and police officials said joint inspections of nightlife establishments are likely to be intensified, especially regarding ID checks and service practices involving young customers.
Conclusion
The investigation is continuing on both tracks — the circumstances of the fatal fall and the alleged violation of laws relating to serving alcohol to minors. Authorities said further clarity is expected after detailed analysis of CCTV footage, forensic reports and witness statements.
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