Bengaluru: Case filed against Embassy Group head and 13 others
The Bengaluru police on Wednesday registered a case against 14 people, including the head of real estate firm Embassy Group, after two labourers were buried alive while installing modular rainwater harvesting blocks at an under-construction site in Yelahanka.
The incident occurred around 4 pm on Monday at Venkatala, following heavy rain. The deceased were identified as J Shiva (32) and Madhusudhan Reddy (58).
The accident
According to the FIR filed at Yelahanka police station, the two men were digging the land, reportedly for foundation work and to install rainwater model blocks. During the process, a portion of the mud collapsed, trapping them underneath.
Other labourers at the site, assisted by an earth mover, pulled them out and rushed them to hospital. Reddy was declared dead on arrival, while Madhusudhan succumbed later.
Complaint and negligence allegations
Madhusudhan’s wife, Jogi Saraswati, lodged a police complaint alleging negligence and lack of safety measures at the construction site. Based on her complaint, police registered a case under Section 106 (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The FIR names the head of Embassy Group and staff members from Associated Projects Infra, a civil construction services provider; Retas Enviro Solutions Pvt Ltd; and VNS, holding them responsible for the tragedy.
Police action and next steps
Police said the accused failed to ensure basic safety protocols while carrying out excavation and rainwater harvesting installation work, directly leading to the accident.
Investigators are also looking into whether proper supervision and safety gear were provided to the workers. Senior officials confirmed that arrests would follow once roles of responsibility are established.
Broader concerns over worker safety
The deaths have once again brought worker safety in Bengaluru’s construction sector into focus. Experts point out that rain-related soil collapses are common during excavation and that strict precautionary measures — such as reinforced supports, helmets, and protective barriers — are mandatory to avoid accidents.
Activists have demanded stronger enforcement of safety laws and accountability from real estate companies, which often subcontract crucial work to smaller firms without adequate checks.
Conclusion
While police have booked 14 individuals, including senior officials from leading real estate and construction firms, the incident underscores recurring lapses in worker safety at Bengaluru’s construction sites. Authorities are expected to pursue the case to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Embassy Group labour deaths case, worker safety negligence Bengaluru, Yelahanka rainwater harvesting accident, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 106 case