Multi-storey building collapses in Bengaluru: Death toll rises to five

The collapsed building is at Anjanadri Layout, Horamavu Agara, near Hennur (Image - Moneycontrol)

At least five people died after a six-story under-construction building collapsed near Hennur on October 22, following heavy rains in Bengaluru.

Additional Commissioner of Police (West) N Satheesh Kumar said five people have died, and 13 workers have been rescued. The deceased include Harman (26), Tripal (35), and Mohd Sahil (19), all from Bihar; Sathya Raju (25) and Shankar. Six people were injured, including Jagadevi (45), Rasheed (28), Nagaraju (25), Ramesh Kumar (28), Harman (22), and Ayaj. Kumar said that five people are being treated at Bengaluru North Hospital, while one is at Hosmat Hospital.

“21 workers, including tile workers, concrete workers, and plumbers, were in the building when it collapsed” Deputy CM and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar told reporters.

“It is a serious crime to construct such a large building on a 60x40 plot. The officials stated that they have issued notices three times. This is a lesson for us. After the completion of the rescue work, action will be taken in the next two days. Strong measures will be implemented,” said Shivakumar.

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The incident occurred at around 4pm at Anjanadri Layout, Horamavu Agara, near Hennur. The deceased has been identified as Arman (26) from Bihar. The owner of the building identified as Muni Reddy and his son Mohan Reddy, from Andhra Pradesh living in Malleshwaram, is absconding and untraceable.

The incident, captured on CCTV, showed the building falling like a pack of cards. Initial investigations revealed that poor-quality construction led to the collapse.

Sources said that Fire and Emergency Services received the call around 4:10pm, and three tenders were dispatched. BJP leader and KR Puram MLA Byrati Basavaraj said, “They took permission for four floors but constructed two additional floors. The construction quality was also substandard.”

The deputy CM said: “Action will be taken against the building construction contractor, the site owner, and the responsible officials. The workers will be compensated after the rescue work is completed,”

He said, “A survey will be conducted regarding illegal buildings across the city. In Bengaluru, action will be taken against those constructing buildings without obtaining permission from the corporation,” said Shivakumar.

Senior police and fire safety department officers were also at the spot, along with NDRF personnel and a dog squad, assisting with the rescue operations even late into the night.

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