Construction – Delhi Probe Uncovers Major Irregularities in Saidulajab Building Collapse Case
Construction – The investigation into the fatal building collapse in Delhi’s Saidulajab area has uncovered new details about the construction activities that were underway before the structure gave way. According to findings gathered during the probe, contractors had been assigned a project valued at nearly Rs 1.8 crore to add two more floors to the existing building.
The multi-use property, which accommodated a coaching institute, a café, and office spaces, collapsed on May 30. The incident claimed six lives and left several others injured. Authorities said construction work was actively being carried out on the upper levels when the structure suddenly came down.
Builders Arrested Following Investigation
As the inquiry progressed, Delhi Police expanded its action against those connected to the project. Building owner Karamveer had already been taken into custody shortly after the tragedy. Investigators later arrested two builders, Avnish Gupta and Manish Khatri, from the Vasant Kunj area on Tuesday.
Police officials stated that both contractors allegedly left Delhi after the collapse and frequently shifted locations to avoid being traced. Their movements were monitored before law enforcement teams succeeded in apprehending them.
Focus on Construction Practices
Investigators are currently questioning all three accused to understand how the construction work was being executed and whether additional individuals played a role in the project. Authorities are examining documents, agreements, and technical details related to the building work.
Initial findings indicate that Gupta and Khatri were awarded the contract approximately three months before the collapse. Officials are attempting to determine whether all necessary approvals, safety measures, and engineering assessments were in place before the expansion work began.
Questions Raised Over Structural Capacity
A significant concern emerging from the investigation relates to the original design of the building. According to preliminary assessments, the structure, built around eight years ago, may not have been intended to support further vertical expansion.
Investigators believe the foundation and basement could have had limited capacity to bear the additional load created by the proposed floors. However, officials have emphasized that technical experts are still reviewing evidence and conducting structural evaluations before reaching final conclusions.
The findings are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether construction decisions contributed to the collapse and whether established building norms were violated during the project.
Basement Modifications Under Examination
Another aspect receiving close scrutiny is the work reportedly carried out in the basement shortly before the incident. Investigators are examining excavation activity undertaken to install a water tank in the lower section of the building.
Officials are assessing whether these alterations may have affected the stability of the structure. Technical teams are reviewing construction records and inspecting available evidence to understand the impact of the basement modifications.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional arrests or legal action cannot be ruled out if further evidence emerges. The case has once again highlighted concerns surrounding construction safety, structural compliance, and oversight of building expansion projects in densely populated urban areas.
The final findings of the probe are expected to clarify the sequence of events that led to the collapse and establish accountability for one of the city’s deadliest building accidents in recent months.