30 July,2017 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
In the Ghatkopar building collapse case, the Mumbai police have arrested a civil contractor who was carrying out renovation works at Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap's flats on the ground floor
In the Ghatkopar building collapse case, the Mumbai police have arrested a civil contractor, Anil Mandal, who was carrying out renovation works at Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap's flats on the ground floor.
According to a report in The Times of India, Mandal is not a qualified contractor. He will be produced before a holiday court on Sunday.
On July 25th, a four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area. Siddhi Sai Housing Society, a building that was considered to be safe by the civic authorities, crumbled to the ground trapping all its residents and killing many. It is believed that the building collapsed due to illegal construction being carried out on the ground floor of the building.
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Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap had forcibly taken custody of the flats on the ground floor of Siddhi Sai Apartment in 2007 and converted them into a hospital, inquiries into his alleged wrongdoings have revealed. The investigation so far has revealed that Shitap had three rooms on the ground floor, where he used to run a hospital. Last month, he decided to convert it into a family resto-bar and started modifications. He demolished walls of three rooms as well as RCC pillars, which caused the building to collapse, sources said, adding that officers are searching for the tools used for removing walls and pillars.
The survivors and loved ones of the deceased in the Ghatkopar building collapse have vowed to take their fight against the accused to the logical end, and to that end, have a message for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They have demanded that Shitap be charged under Indian Penal Code section 302 (murder), and considering his nexus with the police and civic officials, also be booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. Currently, Shitap has been arrested under IPC section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).
Fadnavis assured the delegation all possible assistance and action against the accused. He said the residents would be given temporary accommodation immediately and permanent homes in 15 days.
