Bengaluru: The death toll from the collapse of an under-construction building in the Horamavu Agara area of Bengaluru rose to six on Wednesday as rescue teams recovered another body from the rubble. The tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday, also left five individuals injured, and several others are feared to be trapped under the debris.
According to Satish Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Bengaluru, the deceased have been identified as Harman (26), Tripal (35), Mohd Sahil (19), Sathya Raju (25), and Shankar. The injured include Jagadevi (45), Rasheed (28), Nagaraju (25), Ramesh Kumar (28), and Ayaj. The injured are receiving treatment at Bengaluru North Hospital, with one person admitted to Hosmat Hospital.
Rescue operations have so far saved 13 people, with seven pulled from the wreckage. Emergency services are continuing their efforts, fearing that more individuals may still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
Lokayukta Launches Probe into Negligence
Lokayukta Justice BS Patil, accompanied by Upa Lokayukta Justices KN Phaneendra and B Veerappa, visited the site to assess the damage and begin an inquiry into potential lapses by authorities. Justice Patil expressed sorrow over the incident and confirmed that a suo-moto case had been registered to investigate any official negligence.
“It has come to light that no building license or sanctioned plan was issued for this construction. The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) failed to issue any notice until the fourth floor was completed. This negligence cannot be overlooked,” Patil said. He emphasized that notices will be sent to responsible officials and stated that strict measures will be taken to prevent further illegal construction in the city.
Legal Action and Arrests
Following the collapse, an FIR was filed at Hennur Police Station against three individuals—Munirajareddy, Mohan Reddy, and Elumalai—under sections of the BNS and the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. Bhuvan Reddy, the son of Munirajareddy, in whose name the building was being constructed, has been arrested.
The contractor, Muniyappa, who was responsible for building the four floors, has also been taken into custody. DCP East, D Devaraja, confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Rescue operations continue as authorities work to clear the debris and ensure no one is left unaccounted for.
