Rescue operations at the under-construction building at Kumareshwar Nagar in Dharwad, which collapsed claiming two lives, was hindered by milling crowds which eventually forced the Police Commissioner to impose Section 144.
With about 30 feared to be trapped inside, speedy operation is of essence, said an official, describing why the prohibitory orders were imposed. The rescue team has been able to locate seven of those trapped.
Nearly 500 policemen and Home Guards were deployed at the site.
Over 30 ambulances were pressed into service immediately.
Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy instructed the Chief Secretary to supervise the rescue operation and on his direction, a special team of experts from Bengaluru was flown in to Dharwad in the evening.
Businesses present
Though the building was under construction, some businesses were being run from the first two floors that had been completed.
Among those trapped were both those who were part of construction work and those who were on the completed floors. Municipal authorities later clarified that they have provision for giving a “part-completion” certificate.
The under-construction commercial building is reportedly owned by a firm having seven to eight partners, one of whom is a relative of former Minister Vinay Kulkarni.
One of the partners has promised to bear the medical expenses of the injured persons.
“Action will be taken against the owners of the complex,” said Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad Deepa Cholan.
While the cause of the building collapse is yet to be ascertained, initial reports suggest that it could be owing to a faulty structural plan and the poor quality of construction.
District in-charge for Dharwad C.S. Shivalli expressed shock over the incident and blamed it on the poor quality of work.
Ms. Cholan, Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner M.N. Nagaraj, Superintendent of Police G. Sangeetha, and a host of officials rushed to the spot to supervise the rescue operation.