Investigation reveals illegal construction responsible for building collapse in Delhi

A tragedy occurred on Thursday in the Chawri Bazar area of Old Delhi, where an under-construction building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 2 people. Preliminary investigations conducted after the incident have revealed shocking details. According to a report by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the primary reasons behind the collapse were illegal construction carried out by the owner and the disregard for warnings issued by the administration.

According to an NDTV report, the incident took place in Gali Sheeshmahal near Ajmeri Gate. The investigation revealed that the building owner, Samiullah, had been warned by the MCD six months prior to the accident. On April 28, the MCD had informed Samiullah that the condition of the building was deteriorating and it was becoming weak. The administration had instructed him to strengthen the building under the supervision of a qualified structural engineer and subsequently submit a safety certificate.

There was a crucial condition in this advisory issued by the Municipal Corporation: the instruction was only for strengthening the building, not for its reconstruction. Despite this, the owner violated these conditions. On June 15, the Delhi Police had informed the MCD that illegal construction was underway at this property. The police had also sent photographs as evidence.

Following the police notification, MCD officials visited the site. However, at that time, the officials noted that only repair and maintenance work was being carried out. But subsequent investigations revealed that the reality was different. According to the preliminary probe, new construction was carried out on the second and third floors of the building by Samiullah without any prior approval and in violation of the advisory issued in April.

The MCD report provides a significant detail that the temporary supports placed under the lintel of the third floor were removed in haste. It is suspected that these supports were removed quickly for fear that the illegal work would be detected and shut down by the administration. Consequently, the lintel collapsed, bringing down the entire building.

Another peculiar fact has emerged in this case. According to MCD records, on April 22—just six days before the administration issued the warning—₹75,114 was paid as property tax by Samiullah under the self-assessment scheme.

This entire incident has raised questions regarding the administration's oversight. Despite both the police and the MCD being aware of the illegal construction, the owner continued new construction under the guise of 'repairs', which ultimately proved fatal. The question now arises as to how the MCD will investigate the structural safety of other surrounding buildings to prevent such further tragedies.