After tragic death of 12-year-old girl,Thrikkakara municipality started building protective fencing along elevated road in Kakkanad . Rihana Kathrine Andrews,Class VII student, fell nearly 20 feet riding her bicycle on June 21, 2026. Outrage followed,pushing safety measures front and center.
Locals say Rihana lost control,fell into apartment complex grounds after hitting edge of elevated road. Severe head injuries proved fatal. Criticism rained down on municipality for alleged negligence,especially lack of safety barriers on sharp drop-off.
In response, municipal chairperson Rashid Ullampilly said local body would fund fencing project. A show-cause notice went to official responsible for delay in addressing past safety requests at site. “Along with putting up fencing at site, we have initiated measures to prevent similar incidents elsewhere,” Ullampilly stated . official now tasked with finding other hazardous spots needing upgrades.
Community frustration boiled over. On June 23,2026,opposition Left Democratic Front and Democratic Youth Federation activists staged sit-in outside municipality's Public Works Department. Next day,Students Federation of India marched to municipal office,demanding accountability for girl's death .
Child Welfare Committee lodged complaint with Thrikkakara police,seeking case against municipality. Police confirmed case of unnatural death registered,with more actions pending reports from departments.
Meanwhile, State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) ordered high-level probe into Rihana's death. SHRC Chairperson Alexander Thomas told District Collector to appoint officer of rank of Revenue Divisional Officer or Sub-Collector for site inspection. Inspection will involve Assistant Commissioner of Police and Public Works Department engineer, both picked by Collector. Separate reports due to Commission within four weeks…
