Vrindavan: A second labourer injured in a balcony collapse at Ramakrishna Guesthouse in Vrindavan’s Ramanreti area has died during treatment, taking the death toll to two. The accident occurred on Sunday while repair work was underway on the building’s fourth floor. Police have registered a case against guesthouse operator Ashish Gautam following a complaint by the deceased worker’s father.
The deaths have left two families devastated, with both workers reportedly serving as their households’ primary earners. Their families now face uncertainty over their livelihoods and the future of their children.
Second Worker Succumbs to Injuries
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon at Ramakrishna Guesthouse, located near the old temple of Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj. Labourers Rachna and Captain were carrying out repair work on the fourth floor when a wall reportedly developed cracks and the balcony section collapsed.
Both workers were seriously injured after being struck by the falling debris. Rachna died at the scene, while Captain was initially admitted to Ramakrishna Mission Hospital. His family later shifted him to Akash SIMS Hospital, where he died during treatment late in the evening.
Police completed the post-mortem procedure for Captain and handed his body over to his family. Rachna’s body was also subjected to a post-mortem examination.
Two Families Face an Uncertain Future
Rachna originally belonged to Semri village in the Gursarai police station area of Jhansi district. After her husband’s death, she had been living in a makeshift house in Vrindavan’s Keshav Dham area for around eight years with her son and daughter.
She earned a living through daily-wage work and was responsible for raising both children. Her death has left them without their mother’s support. Her body was handed over to her sister Roshni, who lives in Himachal Pradesh.
Captain, a resident of Bati village under the Jaent police station area, was also the principal earner for his family. He is survived by his wife and three children — two daughters and a son.
His father, Gopi, works as a mason but is unable to work regularly because of his age. Captain also had five sisters and a younger brother who is still studying and occasionally works as a labourer. According to a relative, Mahavir Singh, the family’s financial condition is extremely weak, and Captain’s death has intensified its financial difficulties.
Why Has Police Registered a Case Against the Guesthouse Operator?
Kotwali police station in-charge Ashwini Kumar said a case had been registered against guesthouse operator Ashish Gautam on the basis of a complaint submitted by Captain’s father, Gopi.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse and proceeding with the case. Officials have also initiated the process of arranging compensation for the families of both deceased workers in accordance with applicable rules.
The incident has renewed attention on the safety of workers engaged in building repairs, particularly the need for appropriate precautions when construction or maintenance work is carried out at height.
