Bengaluru: Apartment Association Head and 6 Others Arrested in Case Following Girl’s Electrocution in Pool

Last year, on December 28, 2023, 10-year-old Manya Damerla was reportedly electrocuted when she came in contact with a live wire in the swimming pool area between 7:40 PM and 7:50 PM. She was immediately rushed to the hospital where she was declared dead.

Manya was studying at an International school near Dommasandra on Varthur Road. She was the only daughter of the couple who belonged to Andhra Pradesh.

The Varthur Police investigating the case have arrested seven persons, which included the flat owner’s Association. Rajesh Kumar Damerla, the CEO and founder of DLK Megamart Private Limited and father of the deceased, Manya Damerla, had filed a complaint, requesting action against the concerned.

The main accused has been identified as Debashish Sinha (37), President of Home Owners Association of Prestige Lakeside Habitat, while the others arrested are Javed Safiq Rao (44), Vice President of Prestige Property Management and electricians Santosh Maharana (27), Bikar Kumar Paridha (32), Bhaktha Charan Pradhan, Govind Mandal and Suresh Sambandan, Owner of Vision India Marketing.

The Varthur Police have registered a case of culpable homicide, under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against seven accused.

According to the investigation, the apartment management and the electricians were already aware of the electric current passing through the swimming pool. But not much was done to avert the danger. Therefore, when Manya stepped into the pool, she got electrocuted and died immediately.

After the incident, the residents protested against the management of the complex, accusing them of their negligence.