Bengaluru building collapse: Death toll rises to 8; Owner, contractor arrested

Bengaluru: The death toll from the collapse of an under-construction six-storey building in Babusapalya has risen to 8, while 13 individuals have been rescued. Authorities continue their search operations, retrieving bodies from the debris.

According to police, the deceased have been identified as Harman (26), Tripal (35), Mohammad Sahil (19), Satyaraju (25), and Shankar. Out of the 13 rescued, six are receiving treatment at Bengaluru North and Hosmat hospitals.

The building collapsed on Tuesday around 3:40 PM amidst heavy rain in the city. At the time of the incident, 21 labourers from Bihar, Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, and Yadgir in Karnataka were at the site. NDRF, SDRF, police, and fire services personnel have been conducting continuous rescue operations to retrieve those trapped under the rubble.

Two Arrests Made

Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the collapse, including the building owner and the contractor overseeing construction. FIRs have been registered against the accused under BNS and BBMP RERA regulations, based on a complaint filed by laborer Mohammad Harshad.

The arrested individuals have been identified as the building owner Bhuvan Reddy and contractor Muniyappa. The building was registered in Bhuvan Reddy’s name, who is the son of the first accused Muniraj Reddy. The FIR includes charges under sections 105, 125(a), 125(b), 270, 3(5) of the BNS, and sections 326, 327, 328 of the BBMP Act.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that 21 workers are suspected to be trapped under the debris. On the day of the collapse, a total of 26 workers were reported to be working at the site. He assured that strict action would be taken against the building’s owners and others responsible for the tragedy.

Permit Violations

Authorities revealed that the building had received permission for only four stories. However, contractor Muniyappa had constructed seven floors in violation of the permit.