A tragic incident unfolded at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru on Wednesday evening, resulting in the death of a 34-year-old electrician. The victim, identified as Dhananjaya Deshpande, drowned after allegedly falling into an uncovered sump near the pumphouse at the airport's water treatment plant.
Details of the Fatal Accident
Dhananjaya Deshpande, a resident of Kannamangala village and native of Kalaburagi district, was employed as a technician with Sterling & Wilson Pvt Ltd. He was deployed on the premises of Kempegowda International Airport as part of his duties. According to initial reports, the incident occurred while he was assigned meter-reading work at the pump house.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
On the fateful evening, Dhananjaya's wife, Divya Deshpande, a homemaker, attempted to contact him between 6 and 7 pm. She found his phone switched off, raising concerns. At around 8 pm, Ravichandran, the maintenance manager of Sterling & Wilson Pvt Ltd, contacted Dhananjaya's aunt, Jayashree, to inform her of the accident. He stated that Dhananjaya had fallen into a sump and died.
Allegations of Negligence and Legal Action
Divya Deshpande has alleged that the sump cover was not properly maintained and that no staff was appointed to monitor the area. She claims this negligence directly resulted in her husband's fatal fall. In response to the incident, the police have registered a case against the firm under BNS Section 106, which pertains to causing death by negligence. This legal step underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the potential lapses in safety protocols at the site.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident highlights critical safety issues in industrial and infrastructure settings, particularly at high-profile locations like airports. The lack of proper maintenance and monitoring of hazardous areas can lead to devastating consequences. Authorities are likely to scrutinize safety measures at Kempegowda International Airport and other similar facilities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The death of Dhananjaya Deshpande serves as a somber reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need for stringent adherence to protocols. As the investigation proceeds, further details may emerge regarding the specific circumstances and responsibilities involved in this unfortunate event.
