Bengaluru PG sprayed for bedbugs, student found dead next morning. india news

Last updated:October 23, 2025, 09:54 IST

PG management had sprayed insecticide. When he returned to his room on Sunday night, he reportedly started feeling uneasy and was later found unconscious the next morning.

A 22-year-old B.Tech student from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, died after inhaling poisonous fumes of pesticide allegedly sprayed to kill bedbugs at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Bengaluru. The victim, identified as Pawan, was staying in a PG under HAL police station limits in south-east Bengaluru.

According to the police, the incident happened on Monday morning. The PG management had sprayed insecticide in several rooms while Pawan was in his hometown. When he returned on Sunday night and slept in his room, he reportedly started feeling uneasy and was later found unconscious the next morning.

what happened before the incident

Pawan had recently completed his engineering degree and was living in Bengaluru while pursuing additional B.Tech courses and preparing for interviews. Police said he had gone to Tirupati a week ago to meet family. During his absence, the PG owners arranged for pest control in his room and made other arrangements to deal with the bedbug problem.

When he returned, Pawan is said to have gone straight to bed after a long journey, unaware that the room had recently been treated with chemicals. The next morning he was found unconscious by other residents, who alerted the management. The staff immediately informed the police and emergency services, but doctors later confirmed that he had died.

Police investigation and preliminary findings

Officials from HAL police station visited the PG and found traces of pesticide smoke in the room. Investigators suspect that the strong chemical concentrations, combined with poor ventilation, could have caused asphyxiation. It is being told that the windows of the room were closed at the time of the incident.

Police have sent Pawan’s body to Bowring Hospital for post-mortem to confirm the exact cause of death. Samples of the pesticide used have also been collected for laboratory analysis.

Preliminary information suggests the chemical may contain a toxic compound that is commonly used to repel insects but is harmful to humans when inhaled in closed spaces.

Pawan’s parents were immediately informed and they reached Bengaluru on Monday evening. Police said a case has been registered and further investigation is being conducted to determine whether negligence of the PG management or the pest-control contractor played any role.

Students expressed concern over security in PG

The incident has created concern among students and working professionals staying in private hostels and PGs in Bengaluru. Many people have complained that pest control or cleaning work is often done without proper notification or safety measures.

Residents of the same PG told police that the management had not informed them about the spraying schedule or advised them to stay away for a few hours. A resident said, “We often face the problem of bedbugs and chemicals are sprayed regularly. But no one asked us to stay away from the rooms or ventilate them before sleeping.”

Experts warn against unregulated chemical use

Environmental health experts say uncontrolled use of strong pesticides in confined spaces can be fatal. Some fumigation chemicals release toxic gases that displace oxygen and can cause respiratory problems.

They suggest that pest-control work in residential buildings should be carried out only by licensed operators, with at least six to eight hours of ventilation before re-entry.

Public health officials have also urged PG owners and contractors to follow safety norms, use approved products and inform occupants in advance.

a preventable tragedy

What started as a routine pest-control measure ended with the loss of a young life. As police await forensic reports, questions remain over accountability and awareness. For now, this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how a simple lapse in caution can turn a routine household task into a fatal mistake.