Lalbagh tragedy: Family blames it on authorities

BENGALURU: A day after a six-year-old boy died in Lalbagh in a freak accident, the parents and family members blamed the authorities for negligence and lack of safety measures, which led to the tragedy.

The bereaved family members refused to cremate the body until the authorities assured them of safety and other precautionary measures in Lalbagh, along with suitable action against erring staff. The boy, Velu Vikram, died on Monday after a rock fell on his head.

Earlier the family members claimed that no officers had visited them after the incident occurred. Following the protest, the officials visited the family where the post-mortem was conducted.

Later, they were assured of action along with setting up of a primary health centre and facilitating a round the clock ambulance inside the Lalbagh premises. Only then the family agreed to perform the last rites.

Meanwhile, some officials inspected the spot where the rock fell on the boy and got a couple of similar structures removed from the premises for safety.

Vikram’s uncle said, “No one came to see Vikram’s body. It was the negligence of Lalbagh authority, who should have maintained everything properly. The Mayor had sent his son to visits. Finally after we protested against the authorities, the Lalbagh director came along with the inspector and announced that they will compensate us. I request from now onwards they should take care of all the properties.

Some of the members also expressed dissatisfaction with their local corporator, who did not come to their assistance. According to sources, Lalbagh authorities have recommended  the state government to erect a permanent structure in remembrance of Vikram at the spot where he died, so that the family can perform pooja once in a year there.

Dr M. Jagadeesh, Deputy director of Horticulture, told DC, “I have passed the file to the ministers and spoken with higher authorities to provide compensation to Vikram’s family. Though it was not our mistake, we will increase the security and take care of bird pots.” And on Tuesday due to Vikram’s death Lalbagh had closed the Bonsai Park, just to ensure safety, he added.