The court has directed contractor Vishwas Desai to face trial for the offence of rash and negligent act for the reason that he failed to take safety precautions before demolishing the damaged column of the building.
MARGAO:
"The statements of the labourers, who were present on the day of the unfortunate incident, clearly go to show that one column developed cracks and was damaged and the contractor, who was present at the site, gave instructions to demolish the column and re-erect it. No doubt, there is material to show that he directed to put jacks before start of demolition work. However, he was very much knowing that several labourers were already working inside the said building on the upper floors and also at the nearby area. He ought to have taken precaution to vacate the entire building or nearby area before directing to demolish the damaged column as a safety measure. This clearly shows rash and negligent act on the part of contractor in directing to demolish the damaged column without taking safety measures and thereby endangering human life and personal safety of the labourers who were working on the upper floors as well as at the nearby place," Judge Deshpande observed in his order, while directing the contractor to face trial, while leaving the other accused discharged.
