Dharwad building collapse: CM blames poor quality work; rules out judicial probe

DHARWAD: Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday visited the site in Kumareshwar Nagar here where an under-construction commercial complex collapsed.
Arriving in the city in a special flight in the evening, he spent about 45 minutes at the crash site and reviewed the rescue operation being carried out by NDRF and SDRF teams. He also met the relatives of the victims and consoled them. He assured them all possible help from the government.

He later told media persons that the rescue operation was expected to be completed in the next two days.

The CM said that prima facie poor quality of work was responsible for the disaster and action would be initiated against all those responsible for substandard work. A team of experts will look into this, he said.

No judicial probe

Replying to the demand by BJP leaders that a judicial inquiry should be ordered into the crash, Kumaraswamy said the state government was capable of conducting a speedy and fair probe. We will bring the culprits to book and provide due compensation to the victims and their families, he said.

“Regional commissioner Tushar Girinath has already ordered a magisterial inquiry into the disaster. Action will be taken based on the outcome of the probe,” he said.

If the need arises for a higher probe, the government is open for a parallel inquiry, he added.

Expressing shock over man-made disasters in Dharwad, Mudhol, Sulvadi and Mandya in the recent past, Kumaraswamy said he was contemplating bringing a law to prevent such disasters.

“In the event of a disaster, there is a need for quick response forces and the government is seriously considering setting up units of 100 well-trained men in each revenue division on the lines of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF),” he said. The chief minister has already held discussion in this regard with DGP (Fire & Emergency Services and SDRF) M N Reddy.

Hints at due compensation

Responding to the demand for compensation to the victims of the disaster, Kumaraswamy said he had authorized the chief secretary to take an appropriate decision and help the victims. “Since the model code of conduct is in force, I am unable to announce the quantum of compensation to be paid to the aggrieved parties,” he added.

Later the chief minister visited the civil hospital where over 40 survivors are undergoing treatment. He promised them all possible medical help. He was accompanied by municipal administration minister C S Shivalli, MLC Basavaraj Horatti, N H Konaraddi, among others.