BWSSB Inquiry Committee Conducts Site Inspection Following Tragic Death of Bengaluru Student
A three-member inquiry committee constituted by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has conducted a detailed site inspection at the location where a 14-year-old boy was found dead inside an open water pipeline chamber in south Bengaluru. The tragic incident has raised serious questions about civic negligence and infrastructure safety in the city.
Committee to Submit Findings by February 5
The inquiry panel, headed by B S Dalayat, BWSSB engineer-in-chief, visited the site on Tuesday as part of its investigation into the death of Preetham, a Class 9 student whose body was discovered on Sunday. Dalayat confirmed that the committee will submit its comprehensive report by February 5, after reviewing all relevant documents and consulting with the BWSSB chairman.
During the inspection, committee members interacted with BWSSB officials and examined the chamber located at Tataguni village. The structure in question is described as a 3,000-mm-diameter chamber constructed on a water transmission line air valve, approximately eight feet deep and situated about three feet above road level.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Preetham, son of Rajnikanth who works as housekeeping staff at a private firm, had been missing since January 28. The family, natives of Chamarajanagar district living in a rented house in the area, had filed a missing person complaint at the Kaggalipura police station when the boy failed to return home.
According to police reports, Preetham had visited his aunt's house for breakfast with his sister on the morning of January 28. While his sister remained at their aunt's home, Preetham returned alone and subsequently went missing. A search operation involving police and local residents was ongoing when his body was discovered inside the uncovered chamber during routine BWSSB work on Sunday morning.
Investigation Focuses on Possible Negligence
The inquiry committee is examining several critical aspects of the case:
- FIR Contents: The panel is reviewing the First Information Report registered in connection with the incident
- Structural Safety: Investigating why the concrete cover of the scour valve chamber was left open
- Official Accountability: Seeking field reports from officials ranging from Assistant Executive Engineer to Chief Officer of Kaggalipura zone
- Procedural Compliance: Examining whether proper safety protocols were followed regarding open infrastructure
BWSSB sources have clarified that the structure is a scour valve chamber - a pit-like installation housing a valve used to regulate water flow. Allegations suggest that the concrete cover was left open, potentially leading to the tragic incident.
Ongoing Investigation Process
While the initial site inspection has been completed, the inquiry process continues with several important steps:
- Review of submitted field reports from various BWSSB officials
- Examination of the FIR and related police documentation
- Detailed discussions with relevant stakeholders
- Consultation with the BWSSB chairman for final recommendations
- A second round of inspection after officials submit their reports
The family has filed a formal complaint alleging negligence by BWSSB officials, adding urgency to the investigation. The committee's findings are expected to address these allegations while providing recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of proper maintenance and safety measures for urban infrastructure, particularly in rapidly developing cities like Bengaluru where civic oversight must keep pace with growth and expansion.
