In the latest developments in the parasailing tragedy in Coimbatore, police have registered a case against the event organisers based on a complaint filed by Padmashri, the wife of the victim.

Businessman Malleswar Rao, 53, fell from a height of 50 feet during an attempt to parasail at an event held near Codissia yesterday, and died.

A case has been registered under Section 304 (A) of IPC (negligence leading to death) against Babu, the head of the Indian Aerospace and Sports Club, which organised the event, police said.

Though the event was held as part of centenary celebrations of Coimbatore Medical College (CMC), the college authorities cancelled it at the alst minute taking into account risk factors like the strong winds.

Speaking to The Covai Post, CMC dean Edwin Joe said, “Our college campus was offered as a venue for the parasailing event scheduled for August 5. The event, for which we never collected any fee, did not take place as the climate was not conducive, it was too windy. After this, we had nothing to do with the event that took place on August 7.”

Also, the organizer had not taken permission either from police department or the Air Port Authority to conduct the event.

“We were not informed by the club of any such event,” Prakash Reddy, airport director, Airports Authority of India, Coimbatore International Airport, told The Covai Post.

“We have to be informed about any event that is using air space next to the airport,” he said.

Search is on for Babu, who is absconding.

Rao is a keen sports and adventure enthusiast, but has never done parasailing, the Codissia event was a first for him, said his close friend Devaraj, with who he has been on about 50 trekking trips, including the Himalayas.

According to him, on the fateful day Rao was not accompanied to the event by family or friends.

“He also loves horse riding and aerobics, and now will be sadly missed by me and other friends.”

His family is in deep shock, and will plan the next course of action in about a week, he said.

Rao’s children are IT professionals, with his daughter having married just two months ago.