LG orders magisterial inquiry into building collapse that killed 11

New Delhi: Lieutenant governor VK Saxena on Monday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident of a building collapse in Mustafabad last week, which left at least 11 people dead and as many injured. The inquiry will be conducted by the district magistrate of North East Delhi, and a detailed report will have to be submitted within 15 days.
Meanwhile, MCD found violation of norms at 23 more properties in the area. On Sunday, 15 such properties were identified. Officials said the rescue operations were still in progress, with teams from National Disaster Response Force and Delhi Fire Services working tirelessly to clear debris and locate any remaining individuals trapped under the rubble.
"As part of the ongoing investigation, the authorities are diligently working to ascertain the cause of the building's collapse, which, the preliminary assessment suggested, could be the unauthorised construction. MCD has already been directed to take appropriate action against field-level officials for any lapses in oversight that may have contributed to this tragic event," said an official.
The official further said the inquiry would delve deeply into the circumstances surrounding the collapse, examining the relevant facts and identifying any lapses or acts of omission and commission that might have played a role in the incident. "The inquiry will also seek to hold accountable those individuals and entities involved in the construction and oversight of the building," the official added.
Police said they would record statements of survivors to determine the sequence of events. The cops have also sought documents from authorities regarding the documentation of the collapsed building. They are also looking for the builder who conducted the renovation work on the shops on the ground floor. According to the FIR, construction work was underway at the shop. "The owner (Tehsin) and others removed the wall between two shops on the ground floor, bypassing the building norms and committing negligence," it stated.
A survey of the area has revealed that several buildings are five to six storeys tall, allegedly in violation of safety norms, sources said. Following the building collapse, chief minister Rekha Gupta ordered a separate probe.