Close call for staff at Hosdurg Court as concrete piece from ceiling comes crashing down
Hosdurg court building safety is compromised due to falling concrete, posing a risk to employees.
Hosdurg court building safety is compromised due to falling concrete, posing a risk to employees.
Hosdurg court building safety is compromised due to falling concrete, posing a risk to employees.
Kanhangad: In an incident triggering scare, concrete flakes fell from the ceiling of the Hosdurg Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) building, narrowly missing a woman employee. A tragedy was averted as the debris landed away from the woman, who had been staying away from he spot.
The incident occurred yesterday at 11:15 am, shortly after court proceedings had begun. A large chunk of concrete detached from the area near the ceiling fan and fell with a thud onto the table directly in front of where the employee was seated.
The computer placed next to the site was undamaged. Concrete is on the verge of falling at several points throughout the ageing building. Earlier, concrete had fallen from the ceiling of the Public Prosecutor’s office. As that incident had occurred at night, it prevented any potential injuries.
Public Prosecutor A Gangadharan stated that two such incidents have taken place back to back. He added that many, including children, could have been injured had it happened during the daytime.
A letter regarding the unsafe condition of the building was submitted to the Collector in March 2025. Although the Collector forwarded the letter to the Public Works Department (PWD), no action has been taken to date. A formal complaint was also sent to the PWD from the court. The room, formerly used as the Bar Council Hall, was handed over to the Special Court.
Several buildings within the Hosdurg court complex are in a hazardous state. Concrete from the ceiling of the Hosdurg First Class Magistrate Court (II) had also fallen months ago. Although the incident occurred in an area where people usually gather, a major accident was avoided as it happened in the evening. An employee in the same court had sustained injuries when a wall-mounted fan collapsed.
The Public Works Department has not even replaced the broken roof tile of Magistrate Court (I). A plastic sheet has been spread over the roof to prevent leakage during the rainy season. Although land has been acquired for the new Hosdurg court complex, construction is yet to begin. There is growing demand to at least carry out essential maintenance work until the new building is completed.