Lokayukta registers suo motu case over school ceiling collapse in Bagalkot

The Lokayukta has initiated a suo motu investigation into a tragic incident at a government primary school in Bagalkot district, India. On the day in question, a concrete ceiling in Mugalolli Tanda collapsed during class hours, injuring six students. The Lokayukta reported that the building was already in a state of disrepair, with parents previously raising safety concerns.

Upon the ceiling's collapse, the injured students were rushed to a nearby hospital, where their injuries were found to be minor. All six affected students are reported to be safe.

In response to the incident, the Lokayukta has issued directives to the police, Education Department, and other relevant authorities. The police are to conduct random inspections of all government primary schools in Bagalkot district and submit a comprehensive report on their condition. Meanwhile, the Education Department must perform a safety audit of every school in the district, evaluating the structural integrity of buildings, student safety, infrastructure, cleanliness, playgrounds, and other facilities.

Furthermore, classes are prohibited in any unsafe portions of school buildings until they have been certified as safe for use. Alternative arrangements must be made for such classes. A qualified engineer has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive structural safety assessment of the entire school building in Mugalolli Tanda and submitting a report. Officials from various departments and the headmaster of the affected school have been served notices in connection with the case.