A court proceeding in Karnataka's Tumakuru district took a tragic turn on Thursday when a 50-year-old man collapsed and died from a cardiac arrest while standing in the witness box. The sudden incident sent shockwaves through the courtroom, abruptly halting the judicial process.
The Fateful Day in Tumakuru Court
The deceased was identified as Mohan, a resident of Sira town in Tumakuru district. He was present at the Third Additional District and Sessions Court in Tumakuru to record his statement as a witness in a pending case. According to reports from court officials and police, Mohan was in the middle of giving his testimony when he suddenly collapsed.
Panic ensued in the courtroom as those present realized the gravity of the situation. Immediate efforts were made to assist him. He was rushed to the nearby district hospital by court staff and lawyers who were present. However, despite the swift response, doctors at the hospital declared him dead upon arrival. Medical professionals attributed the cause of death to a sudden cardiac arrest.
Immediate Aftermath and Police Response
Following the declaration of death, the court authorities informed the local police. Personnel from the Tumakuru Town Police Station arrived promptly at the hospital. The police have registered a case of unnatural death and initiated the standard procedures for such incidents.
The body was later shifted for post-mortem examination to ascertain the precise medical cause. Police officials confirmed that the preliminary investigation points solely towards a medical emergency with no signs of foul play. The court proceedings for the day were inevitably adjourned following the tragic event.
A Community in Mourning
The unexpected death of a witness inside the courtroom, a space symbolizing justice and procedure, has left the local legal community and residents in a state of shock and mourning. Incidents of individuals succumbing to sudden cardiac events in high-stress environments, including courtrooms, have been reported in the past, highlighting the immense pressure associated with legal testimony.
This incident in Tumakuru underscores the unpredictable nature of such medical emergencies. It also brings to focus the need for emergency medical preparedness in public institutions, including courts, which are frequented by large numbers of people daily, often under significant stress. The case remains under investigation by the Tumakuru Town Police as they complete the formalities surrounding this unfortunate event.
