BENGALURU: The death toll in the collapse of an under-construction building in Babusabpalya has rised to eight. The Hennur police have arrested Muniraju Reddy, his son Bhuvan Reddy, and Mohan Reddy. Another accused, the building’s contractor, Elumalai, is believed to be buried under the debris and his phone is switched off.
The NDRF team and fire brigade resumed rescue operations after a brief break, following 34 hours of continuous search and rescue efforts.
Illegal constructions in Babusapalya Was already highlighted in Aug 2024 but BBMP choose to stay immune, deaf, dumb & blind. The fallen building is less than 100 mts from this location. Many more will meet the same fate and @BBMPCOMM now has blood on his hands for not responding… pic.twitter.com/ujz711poLh
— Bangalore Vocal (@bangalorevocal) October 22, 2024
BBMP officials, ministers, MLAs and the Lokayukta have visited the site to assess the situation. Preliminary investigations revealed that locals had warned the BBMP authorities about the poor construction and violations two months ago, but no action was taken.
Meanwhile, BBMP officials and authorities have found that the building owner’s negligence and violations are responsible for the incident.
@osd_cmkarnataka @BBMPCOMM Apartments r being built violating all Building Bylaws in Babusapalya Ward 25. Roads r small as 20 ft & basic requirement for apartments is 40 ft. Action must be taken on Ward AE,AEE,EE for dereliction of duties. Even an fire engine can’t enter here pic.twitter.com/1QWOnHUHlG
— Bangalore Vocal (@bangalorevocal) August 24, 2024
It has come to light that local residents had written a letter to the BBMP Commissioner and local officials two months ago, warning about the poor construction quality and violations of bylaws. However, the authorities ignored the warning.
The building owner, Muniraju Reddy, had purchased the B-Khata plot measuring 40×60 feet with permission for a single-storey building two years ago. The contractor claimed to the owner that he built this building himself, and the building is very strong. They had planned to build a four-storey apartment on top of the old structure.
After starting the building, they changed plans and built six floors. Apparently, the owner was planning a paying guest accommodation. Muniraju Reddy had given full responsibility to the contractor Mohan Raju for the construction of the building. The apartment was built without proper supervision, leading to the incident.
The contractor, Muniyappa, responsible for constructing the four floors, has also been taken into custody, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police East, D Devaraja.