Investigation – Delhi Court Grants Police Custody in Deadly Saket Building Collapse Case
Investigation – A Delhi court has remanded the owner of a building that collapsed in the Saket area, resulting in the deaths of six people, to police custody for three days as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Court Approves Limited Police Custody
The order was issued on Tuesday by Judicial Magistrate First Class Nirmala Singh after hearing a request from Delhi Police. Investigators had sought five days of custody for 71-year-old Karambir Sejwal, who owns the multi-storey structure that came down in the incident. After considering the arguments presented, the court approved three days of police custody to assist with the ongoing probe.
Police Seek Answers on Construction History
During the hearing, police informed the court that Sejwal’s questioning was necessary to verify various documents and gather information linked to the building’s construction and ownership records. Investigators argued that custodial interrogation could help establish key facts connected to the collapse and identify individuals who may have played a role in unauthorized construction activities.
According to officials, several aspects of the case remain under examination, including the sequence of construction work carried out on the property over the years. Authorities believe further questioning of the building owner could provide important details required for the investigation.
Search Underway for Other Suspects
Police also told the court that additional individuals connected to the case have not yet been located. Investigators are attempting to trace those who may have been involved in the construction process and are seeking information that could help determine responsibility for the structural failure.
The investigating officer stated that a builder who had previously worked on the property is suspected of carrying out unauthorized construction. Authorities believe Sejwal is familiar with the builder’s identity and may be able to assist in locating him.
Focus on Possible Illegal Construction
The collapse has raised fresh concerns regarding compliance with building regulations and construction practices in densely populated urban areas. Investigators are examining whether any structural modifications were carried out without the necessary approvals and whether safety standards were violated.
Officials are expected to review records related to construction permissions, engineering specifications, and other relevant documentation as part of the inquiry. The findings could play a significant role in determining accountability for the incident.
Tragedy Sparks Continued Investigation
The building collapse claimed six lives and prompted an immediate response from emergency services and law enforcement agencies. As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to establish the exact cause of the collapse and identify all individuals potentially connected to the case.
Police officials have indicated that efforts to locate other suspects and verify construction-related records will continue during the custody period granted by the court. Further developments are expected as investigators gather additional evidence and complete their assessment of the circumstances that led to the fatal incident.