The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated an inquiry into the collapse of the Siddhi Sai building
The Siddhi Sai building (circled) before the collapse
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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated an inquiry into the collapse of the Siddhi Sai building.
Civic chief Ajoy Mehta has formed a two-member committee comprising deputy municipal commissioner Chandrashekhar Chore and director of BMC's engineering services, VP Chithore to look in to the violations alleged by the residents.
Mehta, said, "I have called for an inquiry into the entire incident and asked for a report to be submitted within 15 days. This inquiry has been initiated to understand the cause of the collapse." Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also visited the building collapse site late Tuesday. "An offence has been registered and the police is investigating the case. Will not spare anyone who is found guilty," said Fadnavis.
What caused the collapse?
While the reason behind the collapse has not been ascertained yet, the residents have alleged that major repair work being carried out in the nursing home on the ground floor led to it. Residents said the nursing home is owned by Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap, who also owns a flat on the first floor of the building. An FIR has been registered under sections 304 (2) (culpable homicide), 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code against Shitap. He was detained for questioning and was likely to be arrested. Civic officials said it would take one more day to clear the debris.
The samples of the beams and columns of the building material will be tested to identify if the alterations were carried out, and whether the beams and columns were disturbed.
Mayor says
Speaking to mid-day, mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar said, "Sunil Shitap was not an office-bearer of our party. It is a very sad incident and the inquiry will give us a clear role of the people responsible for the incident. No one will be spared in this case, whether he is associated with any political parties or not."
He added, "Everyone is claiming that the repair work was illegal. But as per my knowledge, Bhagyashree Kapase, the assistant municipal commissioner of N Ward, had given permission to carry out the work. The inquiry team should also check how the ward officer gave the permission for repairs."
When asked whether Shitap is a party worker or not Mahadeshwar declined to say anything. mid-day tried reaching out to Shitap and his wife Swati, but they remained unavailable for comment.
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