The Sampadak Express News Desk
A police investigation into the dandiya night tragedy at MVSR Engineering College in Nadargul has found that the 19-metre-high iron truss which collapsed on October 17, killing one student and injuring 22, had been erected on just two supporting pillars instead of four. Three men involved in organising the event and installing the temporary structure surrendered to the Adibatla police three days after the incident, The Hindu reported, citing the police probe.
The police identified the three as Mallela Saketh, 22, an event organiser operating under the name Kriyaa Operations, and Bathula Puneeth, 21, and Sayam Nishanth Yadav, 24, both associated with PS-Lightings and Sounds. Investigators said they have found serious lapses in structural safety standards, inadequate precautions during installation and a failure to account for adverse weather conditions.
According to the police, the collapse occurred around 7.20 p.m. on October 17 when strong winds and dust swept through the college premises during Dussehra celebrations. The temporary truss, installed to the right of the stage, fell onto students dancing nearby. College student Narayanadas Sona died while undergoing treatment; 22 others sustained injuries.
Investigators found the arrangements had been routed through multiple contractors. Saketh had an agreement with the college’s event coordinators under Kriyaa Operations to handle barricading, the stage, the truss structure, the sound system, a generator and lighting. Lacking the required equipment, he subcontracted the work to Tanush of Vayora Experiences LLP. Tanush then passed the assignment to another organiser, Mahesh, who further subcontracted the truss installation to Puneeth and Yadav of PS-Lightings and Sounds. Police said the truss was installed on the night of October 16, a day before the celebrations.
Four others remain absconding, including two senior faculty members of MVSR Engineering College, police said. They were identified as Tanush of Vayora Experiences LLP; event organiser Mahesh; and Akhil Khare and Rajesh Hanmant Rao Kulkarni, both identified as heads of the Computer Science and Engineering Department. Investigators are examining their roles in approving the arrangements, coordinating with contractors and ensuring compliance with safety requirements.
The Adibatla police have sought technical assessments from the Roads and Buildings Department’s Executive Engineer and the Fire Department to determine the structural deficiencies that led to the collapse. Further action will be taken against those responsible based on the technical reports and the evidence collected so far, the police said.
