FIR against contractor in Bowring Hospital wall collapse case

The Karnataka government has set up a technical commission to investigate the April incident in which seven people were killed after a retaining wall and composite structure collapsed. | Photo credit: File photo

Almost a month after the tragic wall collapse at the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital grounds that claimed seven lives, Commercial Street Police have registered an FIR against the contractor and his company on charges including causing death by negligence.

The case was registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by Chandra, Executive Engineer of Health and Family Welfare Engineering Wing, Arogya Soudha.

According to the complaint, the Karnataka government had set up a technical committee to investigate the April incident in which seven people were killed after a retaining wall and structure of the complex collapsed. Based on his findings, a complaint has now been filed. The FIR names Chennai-based ASR Traders.

The complaint stated that the demolition work on the old buildings in the premises earmarked for the construction of the new building of the College of Nursing and Research Institute of the Medical School and Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital Research Institute was entrusted to Chennai-based ASR Traders in 2017.

However, it is alleged that the contractor failed to scientifically clean and dispose of the destroyed structures and debris, instead leaving them abandoned in place, which allegedly contributed to the mishap. Following an inspection by senior government officials at the Bowring Hospital premises, authorities found serious misconduct and recommended criminal prosecution against the contractor.

Officials said notices seeking an explanation were sent to the contractor via email on May 14 and directed him to respond by May 18. However, the authorities claimed that no response was received from the firm. The complaint further stated that senior government officials who inspected the site found serious lapses in safety and demolition procedures and recommended criminal prosecution against the contractor for negligence and violation of safety standards.

Police have now initiated criminal proceedings and the case is under further investigation.

Published – 25 May 2026 21:50 IST