Mangaluru: An inquiry has been initiated after a complaint alleged that a giant wheel ride malfunctioned at the Karavali Utsava grounds, leaving a man and his two children injured. Police said the incident took place on December 24 and prima facie points to negligence and poor maintenance of the amusement ride.
According to the police, the complaint was filed by K Mohan Mulali, a city resident, who stated that he and his two children were seated in one of the cabins of the giant wheel when it began operating at an unusually high speed. He alleged that during the ride, the cabin they were in suddenly dropped and collided with another cabin, causing panic and injuries.
Cabin doors broke during ride, alleges complainant
In his complaint, Mulali alleged that the cabin doors broke mid-ride, resulting in the occupants being violently thrown against the enclosure multiple times. He claimed that the sudden jolts and collision caused injuries to himself and his children, including shock and physical trauma.
“The complaint prima facie indicates negligence and poor maintenance,” Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said. “We have sought details from the ride operators and will examine whether safety norms were violated.”
The police said statements will be recorded from witnesses, organisers and ride operators as part of the inquiry.
No immediate medical help, says complainant
Mulali further alleged that there was no immediate medical assistance available at the site after the incident. He claimed that there was no first-aid facility or ambulance present near the amusement rides at the time of the accident.
According to him, it was bystanders who came to the aid of his injured family members and helped them move away from the ride area. He said the lack of prompt medical support aggravated the distress caused by the incident.
Officials cite ambulance engagement elsewhere
Responding to the allegations, a district official overseeing arrangements for Karavali Utsava said that the ride operators had been reprimanded following the incident. The official added that an ambulance had been stationed at the venue but was attending to another emergency at the time of the accident.
“We are reviewing safety protocols for all amusement rides operating at the venue,” the official said, adding that necessary corrective steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Police to act if violations are established
Police said a formal case would be registered if violations under public safety and negligence laws are established during the inquiry. Commissioner Reddy stressed that ensuring safety at large public gatherings is a top priority for the police.
“Ensuring public safety at large gatherings is non-negotiable. If lapses are found, strict action will follow,” he said, adding that amusement rides attract children and families and therefore demand the highest safety standards.
Demand for suspension and safety audits
Mulali has demanded that the giant wheel ride be suspended immediately until a thorough inspection is conducted. He has also called for mandatory safety audits of all amusement rides operating at Karavali Utsava to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The inquiry is expected to examine maintenance records, safety certifications, operator training and compliance with prescribed amusement ride regulations. Police said further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
Conclusion
The incident has raised serious concerns about amusement ride safety at large cultural events. With the inquiry underway, authorities have assured strict action if negligence is established, while also reviewing safety measures to ensure the well-being of visitors, especially children, at public festivals.