New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic wall collapse in Bengaluru on Wednesday, which resulted in the deaths of seven people, including three children.

In a statement shared via the PMO’s official account on X, the Prime Minister described the event as "unfortunate" and offered his sympathies to those who lost loved ones. "The mishap due to the collapse of a wall in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest," the Prime Minister stated.

To support the victims, the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) has sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased individual. Those who sustained injuries in the accident will receive ₹50,000.

Political reaction and calls for inquiry

The incident has sparked a political debate over maintenance and accountability. R Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, blamed government negligence for the tragedy. "It's a government hospital wall. They have not taken any care, that's why this incident happened. They are responsible. That's why I demand a judicial inquiry," Ashoka said.

Congress leader Rizwan Arshad also noted the heartbreaking nature of the accident, specifically the death of a young girl. He explained that victims were seeking shelter from heavy rain and lightning when the structure gave way. "This wall was built 25-30 years ago, but it didn't look so weak that it would collapse," Arshad remarked, adding that while the state has announced ₹5 lakh in compensation, he appealed for an increase in that amount.

State government response

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital to assess the situation. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) later confirmed the final death toll at seven. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also rushed to the scene after brief consultations with the police commissioner, promising that the government would take all necessary steps to assist the affected families.

Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the structural failure and to assign responsibility.

ANI