Bengaluru, February 12, 2024 – In a shocking incident last year on December 28, 2023, 10-year-old Manya Damerla lost her life after being electrocuted in a swimming pool in Bengaluru. The tragedy has led to the arrest of seven individuals, including the President of the Home Owners Association and electricians involved in the maintenance of the facility.
Manya, a student at an International school near Dommasandra on Varthur Road, was the only daughter of a couple hailing from Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred between 7:40 PM and 7:50 PM when she came in contact with a live wire in the swimming pool area. Despite immediate efforts to rush her to the hospital, Manya was declared dead.
Rajesh Kumar Damerla, the CEO and founder of DLK Megamart Private Limited and father of Manya, filed a complaint urging action against those responsible. The Varthur Police took swift action, arresting seven individuals associated with the case, including the President of Home Owners Association, Debashish Sinha, and several electricians.
The main accused, Debashish Sinha (37), along with Javed Safiq Rao (44) and electricians Santosh Maharana (27), Bikar Kumar Paridha (32), Bhaktha Charan Pradhan, Govind Mandal, and Suresh Sambandan, have been charged with culpable homicide under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Investigations revealed that the apartment management and electricians were aware of the electric current in the swimming pool but failed to take sufficient action to address the danger. The negligence of the management is believed to be a significant factor leading to Manya’s tragic demise.
The incident sparked outrage among residents, leading to protests against the management’s alleged negligence. The case highlights the importance of stringent safety measures in public facilities and raises questions about the responsibility of those in charge.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Bengaluru community is calling for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for Manya and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
