Tragic Discovery in South Bengaluru: Missing Teen Found Dead in Open Water Sump
A 14-year-old boy, who had been missing for the past three days, was discovered deceased inside an open pipeline sump belonging to the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) near Thathaguni in south Bengaluru on Sunday. The incident has raised serious concerns about public safety and infrastructure negligence in the city.
Victim Identified as Preetham, Son of Rajaneekanth
The deceased has been identified as Preetham, the son of Rajaneekanth. According to police reports, the boy had been unaccounted for since Thursday, prompting a search operation by family and authorities. His body was eventually found in the BWSSB sump, which was reportedly left uncovered, creating a hazardous condition in the residential area.
Police Suspect Accidental Fall into Uncovered Sump
Investigating officers from the Kaggalipura police station, where a case has been registered, suspect that Preetham may have accidentally fallen into the sump while passing through the vicinity or while playing nearby. The open sump, part of the city's water supply infrastructure, posed a significant safety risk, highlighting lapses in maintenance and oversight by the responsible authorities.
Safety Hazards and Public Outcry
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures around public utilities in Bengaluru. Residents have expressed outrage over the negligence that led to such a preventable death, calling for stricter enforcement of safety protocols by the BWSSB and other civic bodies. The open sump, left unattended, represents a broader issue of infrastructure mismanagement that threatens community well-being.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the boy's death. The community in Thathaguni and surrounding areas is in mourning, with many demanding accountability and immediate action to secure similar hazards across the city. This event serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining safe urban environments, especially in densely populated regions like south Bengaluru.
