Thampanoor tragedy: Case against contractor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The city police have registered cases against the contractor of the ill-fated KSRTC shopping complex at Thampanoor, a portion of which which came crashing down late Thursday night, for gross negligence.Fort Assistant Commissioner Radhakrishnan Nair said that cases were registered under Sections 337 and 338 of the Indian Penal Code which deal with acts that endanger the lives of others. ‘’We have also written to Harrisons Malayalam, whose construction unit had taken up the contract, seeking clarifications on the safety measures taken,’’ the Assistant Commissioner said. No one has been arrested so far in connection with the mishap, which left one person injured, he said. Section 337 pertains to ‘Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others’ and Section 338, with causing grievous hurt by acts endangering life or personal safety of others.   ‘’There were 24 people working at the site at the time. The fact that no one died does not reduce the gravity of the mishap. All of them were in danger,’’ the AC said. ‘’Let the company itself give a clarification. This case can be set up as a model,’’ he said. The newly-cast ceiling on the fourth floor had come crashing down at 11.25 pm on Thursday, bringing one man down with it. He was later admitted to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital with injuries. At the time, it was feared that more workers were trapped beneath the rubble triggering a frantic search by the Fire and Rescue Services and the police. It took two hours to ensure that the other workers were safe. Meantime, the KSRTC has sought a detailed report. ‘‘It is expected within two days,’’ KSRTC MD A K Luke said. The Labour Department too is planning a detailed inquiry into the incident, particularly into the technical aspects, Labour Commissioner T P Antony said. ‘’We will also be issuing a stop memo in writing,’’ he said. According to Fire officials, there was no problem with the beam. The ceiling had caved in after one of the temporary supports gave way bringing the newly-cast portions down.