HYDERABAD: Adibatla police have arrested three people in connection with the collapse of a temporary lighting truss during a Dandiya celebration at MVSR Engineering College in Nadergul, which claimed the life of a student and injured 22 others.
The accident occurred on October 17 during Sangamam 2026, the college’s technical and cultural festival. A heavy iron structure supporting lights collapsed onto students participating in the celebrations.
The deceased student was identified as Narayanadas Sona Chilikti. Three injured students were still receiving hospital treatment as of the latest reported update.
Three Arrested; Four Others Absconding
- The arrested persons were identified as Mallela Saketh, 22, an event organiser and Bathula Puneeth, 21 and Sayam Nishanth Yadav, 24, associated with a lighting and sound company.
- Police are searching for four other accused in connection with the incident.
- Investigators are examining the arrangements made for the event, including the installation of the lighting structure and the safety measures followed by the contractors and organisers.
Preliminary Findings Raise Safety Concerns
- The preliminary investigation indicates that the temporary truss may have been erected using only two support pillars instead of four. Police are examining whether adequate precautions were taken to ensure the structure’s stability.
- Investigators have seized mobile phones, event agreements, financial records and equipment connected with the arrangements.
- Technical reports from the Roads and Buildings and Fire departments are awaited to help establish how the structure collapsed and whether safety violations contributed to the accident.
Case Registered Against College Management and Event Personnel
- Adibatla police registered a case under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), concerning culpable homicide, and other relevant provisions in connection with the incident.
- The investigation covers the responsibilities of the college management, event organisers and contractors involved in setting up the lighting system. The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the guilt of the accused has not been established by a court.
Chief Minister Orders Action
- Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed condolences to the bereaved family and directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured students. He also called for action against those found responsible.
College Event Safety Under Scrutiny
- The tragedy has highlighted the importance of structural safety checks, secure installation of temporary stages and lighting equipment, weather risk assessment and effective crowd safety arrangements at college events.
- Educational institutions and event contractors must ensure that temporary structures are properly designed, installed and inspected before students and visitors are allowed into the venue.
- The investigation is continuing, with technical findings expected to help determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collapse.
