The death of six-year-old Ahan in Garuda Mall seems to have taught BBMP some lessons. The Palike is chalking out measures to be followed by all shopping malls here to avert such incidents in future.

BBMP Commissioner Dr S Subramanya said the Palike has asked the Mall to keep a net between ground and first floor to prevent death in case of a fall. The Mall has also been asked to close the gap between railing and escalator.

“Such an incident has occurred for the first time in Bangalore. We will make sure other shopping malls take measures to avert such incidents. The Palike is drawing up a list of safety norms to be implemented in all malls,” he said.

On the State government's decision to inquire into the incident, Dr Subramanya said he had not yet received information from the government officially.

Rs 25 lakh spent

Mr Udaya Garudachar, managing director of Garuda Mall, said he has taken measures as per the Palike’s instructions. “I have spent another Rs 25 lakh to improve security measures after Ahan’s death. Earlier, there were 120 security men. Now I have appointed 16 more and all of them deployed near escalators. I have also extended the railing near escalators by nine inches,” he said.

“I have obtained the ‘no objection certificate’ as well as occupancy certificate from the Palike. Even now, the Palike insists we implement more measures. If I find them good, I’m ready to do so. The Palike asked me to put a net. Though I am not running a circus company, I have followed the direction.”

An ‘accident’

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) B N S Reddy said Ahan’s death was an accident. “Police role is very specific. Under Section 174 of CrPC, police took cognisance of the incident as soon as they received information about the death.

In such cases, we don’t wait for anyone to lodge a complaint. Our duty is to verify whether there was any mischief, foul play or ulterior motive. However, investigation has proved there was nothing of that sort. We have recorded statements of parents as well as that of the Mall management,” he said.

On action against the mall, Mr Reddy said: “It’s the duty of agencies which grant the occupancy certificate and licence. BBMP follows some norms for granting licence. If there is any violation, it can either cancel the licence or file a criminal case against the owner.”

No clean chit

Police Commissioner N Achutha Rao denied giving the Garuda mall a clean chit. He said: “I don't think we have brushed aside the complaint. I will look into it.”