Karnataka Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil has directed that the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, the Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), and the Bengaluru City Corporation Commissioner be added as respondents in a case related to the death of a software engineer in the flooded K.R. Circle underpass in 2023. The order was issued after the judge inspected the underpass following severe flooding during heavy rains on April 29, 2026.

The underpass had submerged completely during the downpour, leading to the drowning of the engineer, sparking public outrage and demands for accountability. Justice Patil is hearing a case that questions the design, maintenance, and disaster preparedness of Bengaluru's infrastructure, with the 2023 incident serving as a central point of inquiry.

The inclusion of top-ranking officials as respondents expands the scope of institutional responsibility in the matter. The Lokayukta's move underscores scrutiny of urban planning and emergency response mechanisms in Bengaluru. The court will resume hearings in the ongoing case next week.