Delhi building collapse: Death toll rises to 7 in Hauz Qazi

The death toll in the three-storey building collapse in central Delhi’s Hauz Qazi area rose to seven on Sunday after another body was recovered from the rubble. Rescue operations have continued for more than 70 hours since the incident, an official said.

The latest victim was identified as Luchhuman Mukhiya, 66, a resident of Darbhanga in Bihar. His body was recovered from the collapsed structure near Chawri Bazar during the ongoing search operation.

The mortal remains have been shifted to LNJP Hospital for further proceedings. Rescue personnel are continuing to search the debris for any other possible victims.

The building collapsed at around 9.45 am on November 5 while construction work was underway. The rescue operation has been in progress for more than 70 hours.

The seven deceased have been identified as Sanjeet Kumar, Kishori Sah, Pankaj Sharma, Vipin Ram, Shantu, Dinesh Sah and Luchhuman Mukhiya. Four of the victims were residents of Bihar, while Vipin Ram lived in Mandawali in Delhi, police said.

The building owner, identified as Saimullah alias Ayub, and three contractors — Siraj, Tajuddin and Furkan — have been arrested in connection with the incident. The contractors were apprehended from Sirohi in Faridabad.

An FIR was registered at Hauz Qazi police station on November 5 under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 290 (negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings), 125(a) (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The building was allegedly being constructed without the requisite approval on a 50-square-metre plot. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi had said that no building plan had been sanctioned for the structure.

The civic body also said the building had reached the third floor and collapsed while the roof slab was being laid.