Dead boy's dad says ambulance, hospital demanded money

Govindaiah, the father of the 17-year-old Vishwas, a student of National College Jayanagar, who drowned on Sunday at Ravugodlu village, said the 108 ambulance refused to help, and the hospital authorities sought Rs 3,500 for the post-mortem.

Govindaiah told DH, “I called the 108 ambulance to take his body to hospital. They did not turn up and when I repeatedly called the emergency service, one driver finally agreed but sought Rs 5,000 to shift the body to hospital. How can anyone demand money from the family of the deceased and why is the government not taking action against them?” he asked and said he had to call a private ambulance to take the body to the hospital.

“When we brought the body to the hospital, the staff demanded money to conduct the post-mortem. When we refused, they delayed handing over the body. Despite losing my son due to the college’s negligence, I was forced to pay money to get his body,” he said.

Govindaiah also said the college did not help him in these formalities. “I am deeply hurt since people are demanding money while I am grieving my son’s death. No one should go through this. The government should look into such issues,” he said.

The Kaggalipura police phoned National Cadet Corps’ chief Girish who took the students for trekking, to appear before them and explain why he allowed Vishwas to enter the temple tank though he did not know how to swim. He is still absconding, police said.

Meanwhile, the PU department has issued a show-cause notice to the National College management. “The principal said they were not informed about this trip. The coordinator Girish had not taken any permission. The principal said they will take action against the coordinator,” an official in the department said.