BJP’s R Ashoka hits out at Siddaramiah govt on Bengaluru building collapse

BENGALURU: Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka, on Thursday took a jibe at the Congress government in the state after he expressed grief over the loss of lives at an under-construction building that collapsed on October 22. According to official sources, the collapse had claimed the lives of eight people, while six others were injured.

Speaking to reporters, Ashoka said that it was an extremely sad incident due to which eight people lost their lives. “It is a very sad incident. Eight people have died in this. The search operation is on. This is the negligence of the government. Why was permission given to build 1+6 floors? For the commission of this government, we have lost lives. This government is sleeping. As you can see there is debris everywhere”, he said.

Ashoka further stated that the central government has released ample amount of funds for development works in Bengaluru. “Congress has forgotten that they are the ruling party. I challenge this government that you are here for 1.5 years, how much money have you released for infrastructure and other development works? But see how much the Central government has released. How can you say we are doing politics, we want a safe Bengaluru”, he added.

#WATCH | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah arrives at the site where an under-construction building collapsed in the Horamavu Agara area in the eastern part of Bengaluru, on October 22.

Rescue and restoration work is underway. 8 people lost their lives in the incident. pic.twitter.com/W28fooeagJ

— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2024

Earlier on Thursday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inspected the site of the building collapse at Huramavu Agara area of Bengaluru. The CM further announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased, while ex-gratia for the injured will be given after seeing them in the hospital.

“For those hospitalised, expenditure will be taken care of by the govt. Moreover, Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia is to be given by the government, ex-gratia for injured will be announced after seeing them at the hospital”, he said while speaking to reporters at the site.

Siddaramaiah also mentioned that Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) has been directed to stop all illegal constructions in the city. “This is an unauthorized building that was being built, it has not collapsed because of the rain but collapsed because of sub-standard work. For this, a notice has been given. Suspension too has happened. Zonal officials will be given notice too,” he added.

#WATCH | Karnataka | Rescue and restoration work underway at the site where an under-construction building collapsed in the Horamavu Agara area in the eastern part of Bengaluru, on October 22. 8 people lost their lives in the incident. pic.twitter.com/fmtGtsAcO9

— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2024

The Chief Minister also slammed the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which has attacked the state government on the situation of the city after the rains.

An FIR has been registered at Hennur police station against three accused: Munirajareddy, Mohan Reddy, and Elumalai, in connection with the collapse.

Bhuvan Reddy, son of Munirajareddy, under whose name the building was being constructed, has also been arrested. The contractor, Muniyappa, responsible for constructing the four floors, has also been taken into custody, according to DCP East D Devaraja. (ANI)