Bengaluru Bowring Hospital Tragedy: AAP Blames MLA Rizwan Arshad, Demands Resignation and Jobs for Victims’ Families

NewsFlash Daily™

30 April

AAP alleges negligence behind compound wall collapse deaths, seeks strict action, resignation of MLA and government jobs for victims’ kin

Bengaluru: The political fallout from the tragic compound wall collapse near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital has intensified, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) directly blaming local MLA Rizwan Arshad for the deaths of innocent civilians.

The incident, which occurred in the Shivajinagar Assembly constituency, claimed seven lives, triggering outrage and demands for accountability.

AAP Alleges Negligence Behind Deaths

AAP Bengaluru City Organising Secretary Maria Hussain accused the MLA of gross negligence and inaction, stating that repeated warnings about the compound wall's dangerous condition were ignored.

Addressing the media at the incident site, she alleged that local leaders and business owners had raised concerns multiple times, urging authorities to demolish or repair the structure, but no preventive action was taken.

“Local MLA Rizwan Arshad was repeatedly informed about the dangerous compound. His negligence is directly responsible for the death of seven innocent people,” Maria Hussain said.

Demand for Resignation and Legal Action

The AAP leader demanded that the Siddaramaiah government immediately seek the resignation of the MLA and initiate strict legal action against those responsible.

She also urged the government to register a criminal case and ensure accountability for what she described as a preventable tragedy caused by administrative failure.

Call for Government Jobs to Victims’ Families

Highlighting the plight of affected families, Maria Hussain demanded that the government provide permanent government jobs to the kin of the deceased, instead of what she termed as “inadequate monetary compensation.”

“The families of the victims do not need ₹5 lakh as alms. They deserve justice, accountability, and long-term support,” she asserted.

Previous Warnings Ignored, Claims AAP

The AAP also pointed to a previous incident involving a government school building collapse in the same constituency last year, alleging that similar warnings had been ignored then as well.

According to the party, the school building had collapsed early in the morning, narrowly avoiding casualties, but no corrective measures were taken afterwards.

Maria Hussain alleged that several unsafe and dilapidated structures continue to exist in the constituency, posing risks to public safety.

Civil Society Anger Mounts

AAP leaders warned that civil society will not remain silent if authorities continue to ignore safety concerns, adding that those responsible must be held accountable to prevent future tragedies.

Several party leaders and activists, including Shivajinagar constituency president Kudrat, were present at the site, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families.

Tragedy Sparks Larger Debate on Urban Safety

The incident has reignited concerns over urban infrastructure safety, maintenance failures, and accountability of elected representatives in Bengaluru, especially amid ongoing rain-related disruptions.