Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for the collapse of an under-construction building in Horamavu Agara, Bengaluru, which has resulted in the death of five people and injured seven others. The structure was found to be illegal, with no prior permissions granted for its construction.
“No permission was given for this construction. It is an illegal activity, and we will take strict action against the owner, contractor, and any officials involved. All illegal constructions in Bengaluru will be stopped immediately. Those responsible, including the property owner and officials, will be held accountable under the law,” Shivakumar stated during an inspection of the collapse site.
According to reports, 21 laborers were working at the site. Thirteen people have been rescued so far, but five lost their lives. The victims include Arman (26), Tripal (35), Mohd Sahil (19) from Bihar, and local workers Sathya Raju (25) and Shankar.
Tushar Giri Nath, Chief Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), revealed that the authorities had issued notices to the building’s owner three times, but no strict action was taken. “Constructing such a large structure on a 60×40 plot is a crime. This incident is a lesson for us to act more decisively,” he said.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) leading efforts. Dog squads have also been deployed to assist in locating survivors.
Prashant Kumar Thakur, Director General of Fire Services, confirmed that fire engines were immediately dispatched to the site. “We were informed that around 15 to 20 laborers were staying in the building, with others housed in nearby sheds. The exact number of casualties will be confirmed after a detailed investigation,” he added.
CCTV footage of the collapse shows the multi-story building leaning to one side before crumbling entirely. The building, with its exterior fully painted, was in the final stages of construction.
