The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Mayor, Pravesh Wahi, has assured a thorough investigation into the recent building collapse in Saket, stating that officials found negligent have been suspended. The incident, which claimed six lives and injured eight others, has prompted administrative action and a broader crackdown on unauthorized constructions in the city.
The Mayor’s assurance came amidst political accusations, with opposition parties alleging negligence and corruption within the MCD. Wahi acknowledged the tragic nature of the event and emphasized that such incidents would not be tolerated, vowing strict action against individuals involved in negligence. He indicated that the probe would extend to senior officials if their involvement is found.
The collapse, which occurred on a Saturday evening, involved a multi-storey commercial building near the Saket Metro station. The structure housed a coaching institute, cafes, and offices, and construction work was reportedly underway on its upper floor at the time of the incident. Video footage circulating on social media captured moments before the collapse, showing debris falling, followed by the building’s rapid descent, generating a massive dust cloud and causing panic.
Following the tragedy, two MCD engineers—Assistant Engineer (Building) Sudesh Singh Chouhan and Junior Engineer (Building) Aman Jain—were suspended for alleged lapses in supervision and dereliction of duty. The owner of the building, identified as Karamveer, was arrested by the Delhi Police as part of the widening investigation. An FIR has been registered under sections including culpable homicide.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site and pledged strict action against unauthorized constructions and responsible officials. An inquiry is being conducted under the supervision of the South District Magistrate. The investigation aims to determine whether structural weaknesses, ongoing construction activity, or violations of building regulations contributed to the collapse.
In response to the incident, the MCD has initiated a drive to identify and seal illegal structures in South Delhi. Senior MCD officials stated that inspections in the vicinity of the collapsed building have identified six nearby structures that allegedly violate building bye-laws. Show-cause notices are expected to be issued, followed by sealing and vacation notices if violations are confirmed. The drive is slated to commence in Mehrauli, Saket, and adjoining areas, targeting unauthorized buildings with more than ground plus three floors. The MCD has historically taken action, including sealing properties and issuing vacation notices, for unauthorized construction, serious structural deviations, and unpermitted commercial activities.
The incident has also drawn criticism from political parties, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleging that negligence and corruption within the MCD contributed to the collapse. AAP leaders claimed that local residents had repeatedly alerted authorities about the building’s condition and ongoing construction, but no effective action was taken. They further alleged that a petition was filed before the Delhi High Court regarding the safety risk, and the MCD reportedly informed the court that no construction activity was occurring, leading to the matter’s disposal. AAP has demanded action against officials, including the suspension of the MCD Commissioner, and called for a wider investigation into illegal construction activities across Delhi.
The collapsed building, reportedly constructed in 2013, housed a coaching center for students preparing for competitive examinations, including those for medical and engineering studies abroad. The area is known to be a hub for such coaching centers. The rescue operation, involving multiple agencies including the NDRF and DFS, continued for over 24 hours, with search teams diligently working through the debris to account for all trapped individuals. The deceased included students and young professionals. The injured were treated at various hospitals, with some in critical condition. The tragedy has highlighted concerns over safety oversight and compliance in the construction and regulation of commercial buildings in the city.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
