Flying stone shrapnel claims girl's life

Bangalore, April 19: A five-year-old girl was killed on Thursday morning after being struck in the throat by a flying shrapnel from a BBMP work site next to her grandparents' house at Indiranagar in Basaveshwarnagar police limits.

According to police, Akshitha, a native of Shravanabelagola in Hassan district, had come to stay with her grandparents during summer vacation. The accident occurred when she was sitting on the steps outside the house, close to where BBMP employees were chiselling a large block of stone to cover a drain.

Akshitha's aunt, Nagaratna, told Deccan Herald that her niece had been eating chips when she suddenly heard a cry. “I rushed outside and was horrified to see her lying on the ground. Her throat was cut and blood was gushing out. She touched her throat and said, 'Aunty, aunty', and then her voice stopped,” Nagaratna said.

Neighbours rushed the girl to Chord Hospital where she was declared dead. The body was shifted to Victoria Hospital for an autopsy before being handed over to the grieving family. Akshitha's grandparents, Thimme Gowda and Yashodamma, were heartbroken.

Flash protest

The incident triggered a flash protest by hundreds of local residents who raised slogans against the BBMP for failing to follow safety measures. They also gathered in front of the hospital and demanded stern action against the contractor implementing the project.

Akshitha's father, Anand, a farmer in Shravanabelagola, did not know of his daughter's death until arriving in Bangalore. Thimme Gowda said that he had been unable to tell Anand the truth and had called him to Bangalore by claiming that Akshitha was ill. “I could barely imagine what was in store for me before I left for Bangalore,” Anand said. “I don't know whom to blame. She was such a wonderful daughter.”

Inquiry

Law Minister Suresh Kumar has sought a suitable inquiry into Akshitha's death. Kumar, who is seeking re-election from Rajajinagar Assembly constituency, termed it unfortunate that his detractors were using the tragic incident to cast aspersions on him.

Kumar, in a statement released to the press, stated that there was no truth in the allegations that the repair work was an “election gimmick” and had been taken up after the election calendar of events was announced. He said the work had commenced on February 16. The minister also said he had visited the hospital where Akshitha had been taken, immediately after getting to know about the incident.