LUCKNOW: An eight-year-old boy was killed after a heavy iron gate allegedly collapsed on him inside the premises of the Divyangjan Sashaktikaran (Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities) Department building in Lucknow on Saturday morning, triggering outrage among local residents and a road blockade by the victim’s family members demanding action against those responsible.The incident occurred between 9 am and 9.30 am at the departmental complex where Bachpan Day Care School for visually impaired children operates under the supervision of the District Disability Empowerment Officer (DDEO).The deceased was identified as Shiva Kashyap (8), son of Vikram Kashyap. According to police and local residents, the child had gone to play spotting swings and was near the entrance of the premises when the main gate suddenly gave way and crashed down on him. The impact left him trapped beneath the structure and caused critical injuries.Eyewitnesses immediately rushed to the boy’s aid and, with the help of local residents, removed the gate and attempted to provide emergency assistance. However, Shiva succumbed to his injuries before he could be saved.Station House Officer (SHO), Mahanagar, Pradeep Giri, said that Shiva was related to a family residing in the neighbourhood and had been present near the building when the accident took place.“The child sustained grievous injuries after being trapped under the fallen gate. Necessary legal proceedings are being carried out,” the SHO said.The incident sparked anger among family members and local residents, who alleged negligence in the maintenance of the government building and questioned how such a large gate could collapse in a campus frequented by children, including visually impaired students.As news of the boy’s death spread, grieving relatives and residents gathered at the spot and later staged a protest by placing the child’s body on the road. Protesters demanded compensation for the family, registration of a case against those responsible for maintaining the premises, and accountability from departmental officials.The protest led to disruption of traffic in the area for some time as police and administrative officials engaged with the agitating family members and attempted to pacify them. Senior officers reached the scene to assess the situation and assure the family that a fair inquiry would be conducted.Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mahanagar, Ankit Kumar, said the body had been taken into custody and legal formalities were being completed. He added that an investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the collapse of the gate.Officials are examining whether structural weakness, poor maintenance, rusting, or any other lapse contributed to the accident. The condition of the gate and other infrastructure within the departmental premises is also likely to be reviewed as part of the inquiry.The incident has raised serious concerns about safety standards at government buildings, particularly facilities catering to children and persons with disabilities. Residents demanded an immediate structural audit of the campus and strict action against any officials found negligent in ensuring the safety of the premises.Taking cognisance of the incident, DM Lucknow, Vishakh G, directed Sub divisional Magistrate, Manoj Singh to reach the spot and submit a report of the incident.
