The number of fatalities from the collapse of an under-construction building in Bengaluru’s Babusabpalya area on October 22 has risen to nine after another body was recovered from the rubble on Friday morning.
The building, located in the Horamavu Agara neighbourhood, came crashing down on Wednesday following heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site on Thursday to assess the situation.
During his visit, the Chief Minister announced financial support for the victims’ families.
“Those hospitalised expenditures will be taken care of by the government. Moreover, 5 lakh ex-gratia is to be given by the government; ex-gratia for injured will be announced after seeing them at the hospital,” Siddaramaiah told reporters at the scene.
He further directed the city’s municipal authority, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), to halt all illegal construction projects.
“This is an unauthorised building that was being built; it has not collapsed because of the rain but collapsed because of substandard work. For this, a notice has been given. Suspension too has happened. Zonal officials will be given notice too,” he said.
Authorities have registered a case at Hennur police station, naming three suspects: Munirajareddy, Mohan Reddy, and Elumalai. Police have also arrested Bhuvan Reddy, the son of Munirajareddy, who owned the building.
The contractor in charge of constructing the upper floors, Muniyappa, has been taken into custody, according to East Bengaluru DCP D. Devaraja.
The search and rescue operation is still ongoing, with officials working to ensure no more victims remain trapped under the debris.