Karnataka collapse: Magisterial probe on, toll touches 12

BENGALURU: Karnataka CM H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the Dharwad building collapse as the toll rose to 12 with five more bodies being pulled out from the debris.

Police also arrested the building’s design engineer Vivek Pawar. Four other accused are at large, including the relative of former Karnataka minister Vinay Kulkarni, police sources said. On the third day of rescue operation, bodies of five people, including eight-year-old Divya Unakal, Dakshayini (45) and Sangamesh (42), were retrieved from the rubble, police said.

Kumaraswamy said at least 12 people had lost their lives and 54 people had been rescued, with fears that 14 more were still trapped. “A magisterial inquiry has been ordered. If required, government is ready for high level inquiry,” Kumaraswamy told reporters after visiting the spot and speaking to the relatives of the victims and injured. Agencies