Pramesh S Jain
In a significant development to the long-pending issue of flooding at the KR Circle underpass,the Karnataka Lokayukta has directed that top bureaucrats be arrayed as accused in a case of negligence.
The direction follows a detailed inquiry into repeated waterlogging at the KR Circle underpass,which had earlier led to a fatal incident in May 2023,when a woman software professional died after her car got submerged.
According to the Lokayukta order dated April 30,2026, the Chief Secretary,Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department,the Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA),and the Commissioner of the Bengaluru City Corporation have been instructed to be named as accused in the case.
The action comes after the Lokayukta took suo motu cognisance of the recurring flooding problem and conducted spot inspections on April 30,2026,along with senior officials.
The probe examined the circumstances that led to the accumulation of rainwater at the underpass.
During the inquiry,it was noted that despite the 2023 tragedy,where the underpass was inundated following heavy rain,no permanent remedial measures had been implemented.
The Lokayukta observed lapses in coordination among civic agencies and alleged negligence in ensuring proper stormwater drainage and safety measures.
Reports were sought from multiple departments, including engineering wings of civic bodies.
However,officials reportedly shifted responsibility between departments such as road infrastructure and stormwater drainage divisions,raising concerns over accountability.
Taking serious note of the“failure of public servants to respond to public hardship,”the Lokayukta has now ordered legal proceedings against the concerned officials.
It has also directed that copies of the order be served to them and sought their responses.
The case has been posted for further hearing on May 20, 2026.
The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for administrative accountability in handling urban infrastructure failures in Bengaluru,particularly in flood-prone zones said Lokayukta Justice BS Patil to reporters.
