NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday night visited the site of an under-construction building collapse in the Horamavu Agara area of eastern Bengaluru.
He assured strict action against those responsible, alleging illegal activities at the construction site.
"I was told that there was no permission given. Illegal activities were going on. We will take strict action against the owner, contractor, and everyone involved.In the entire Bengaluru, I will ensure... We will come out with a decision. All illegal construction will be stopped immediately... The contractor, my officials, and even the owner of the property, everyone will be booked under the law," Shivakumar said.
He also confirmed the death of a 26-year-old man in the collapse. "As per the information I got, 21 labourers were here. A 26-year-old Arman's body was recovered. In a day, 26 people work here," he added.
According to officials, five people remain trapped, 14 have been rescued, and five are still missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with dog squads, have been deployed at the site as the search continues for those trapped under the debris.
Prashant Kumar Thakur, Director general of fire services, confirmed the situation. "The police control received the information at 4pm, and the fire control received it at 5 PM. After receiving the collapse report, fire tenders and personnel were dispatched. SDRF and NDRF teams were also informed, and rescue operations are underway. As per our information, five people are currently trapped, and we are waiting for professional concrete cutters to remove the debris," Thakur said.
"After investigation, we will know how many people have died. We are now focused on rescuing those trapped under the debris. Around 15-20 labourers were living in the building, with others in a nearby shed. Efforts are underway to rescue them," he added.