Bengaluru: In a rare and disturbing case, police in Bengaluru have registered a case against a pub for allegedly serving alcohol to minors, following the death of a 15-year-old Class 10 student who jumped from the seventh floor of his apartment building.
The teenager reportedly took the extreme step on January 31, allegedly out of fear of being punished by his parents after consuming alcohol at a pub.
Sequence of Events
According to police, the boy had attended his school farewell on January 31. After the event, he and a group of 10–12 classmates visited Legacy Brewing Company in Aditya Layout, Rajarajeshwarinagar, where they allegedly consumed alcohol and tried smoking.
Police said the boy became intoxicated and told his friends that he was scared to return home, fearing his parents’ reaction if they found out about his drinking. After some persuasion, one of his friends dropped him at his apartment on Dr Vishnuvardhan Road in Banashankari 5th Stage on a two-wheeler.
The friend accompanied him in the lift up to the seventh floor and left him in the corridor before returning.
Investigators said the boy remained in the corridor for a few minutes and then jumped from the balcony around 9.45 pm. No suicide note was found.
Rescue Efforts and Medical Findings
Apartment security guards, who heard a loud sound, rushed to the spot and found the boy lying in a pool of blood. They immediately informed his parents, who took him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Later, his friends told his parents about their visit to the pub. A medical examination confirmed that the boy was under the influence of alcohol at the time of his death.
Police Action Against Pub
Rajarajeshwarinagar police registered a case after being informed that the boy may have acted out of fear or guilt over drinking.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Yatish N said police examined the case from multiple angles and confirmed that minors had consumed alcohol and smoked at the pub on January 31.
“For allowing minors to consume alcohol, a case has been registered against the owners and staff under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Karnataka Excise Act,” he said.
A police team also visited the pub and verified that the students had been served alcohol.
Licence Cancellation Sought
Police have registered a separate case of unnatural death, with both cases filed based on complaints by the boy’s father.
“We have written to the excise department seeking cancellation of the pub’s licence. The staff should have exercised responsibility and stopped the boys instead of serving liquor,” a senior officer said.
Officials added that recent incidents involving minors consuming alcohol or banned substances have led to cases of road rage, assault, and harassment, prompting stricter action against erring establishments.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are continuing their investigation and recording statements from the boy’s friends, pub staff, and other witnesses to determine accountability.
Authorities have reiterated that serving alcohol to minors is a serious offence and will invite strict legal action.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, help is available. In India, you can contact Tele-MANAS at 14416 or 1800-891-4416, or SAHAI Helpline at 080-2549-7777.
