Death due to negligence? Park faces probe as dad blames lack of infra
Times of India | 18 July 2025
Kolkata: A case of death due to negligence was initiated against Nicco Park authorities following a complaint lodged by the father of the 18-year-old BBA student who died during an outing with friends at the water park on Wednesday. While the preliminary post-mortem report hinted at a possible cardiac arrest and haematoma at the back of the head, the police said they had started a full-fledged probe, collected all CCTV footage, and recorded statements from the boy's friends and on-duty staffers of the amusement park.
"We have started a case under BNS section 106 (1) and have been questioning park officials and those who were in charge of giving first aid. We have also collected statements from the youth's friends and have been assessing all CCTV footage of the events leading to the mishap," said an officer of Bidhannagar Commissionerate.
On Wednesday, Maniktala resident Rahul Das went to the park with seven others to celebrate a friend's birthday. Around 1:05 pm Das suddenly fell ill. His friends offered CPR before lifeguards took him to the first-aid section. The nurse at the Nicco Park medical room examined him and said his pulse was low. Das was put in a park ambulance and taken to the nearest hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
"My son was perfectly healthy when he left home. I demand a full investigation into how and under what circumstances he lost his life. I saw on television an interview of a Nicco Park official who admitted that Rahul was first taken to a nurse, who allegedly declared him dead. Why was no attempt made to provide medical help?" asked the father. He added that there was an injury on Rahul's toe, as well as another visible mark on his arm or hand, and demanded a thorough examination of those injuries.
"His friends kept saying that the Nicco Park authorities did not provide any help. We strongly believe Rahul's death was not natural," he added. The father has urged the police to examine CCTV footage and question all staff members who were on duty. He has questioned the lack of basic medical infrastructure, such as the absence of a duty doctor or oxygen support, in a high-footfall amusement facility. Das has also appealed for the temporary closure of the water park section of Nicco Park until the cause of death is clearly established and safety protocols are reviewed.
Nicco Park MD Rajesh Raisinghani defended the medical unit at the facility, claiming one doctor and three nurses have been looking after the medical unit for two decades. "Although the doctor had a day off on Wednesday, there were two qualified nurses who attended the boy immediately after the lifeguards took him to the medical room in less than three minutes. The ambulance was also equipped with oxygen. We feel sorry for the family's loss and are cooperating with the police," said Raisinghani.