Ghatkopar building collapse: Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap detained, Devendra Fadnavis visits site

Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap was on Tuesday booked for culpable homicide for the collapse of a four-storey building at Ghatkopar in suburban Mumbai that has so far claimed 12 lives and injured eight even as rescue operations are going on in a war-footing.

As details are trickling out as to what might have triggered the collapse, the role of the Shiv Sena leader has come under a scanner as he was allegedly carrying out construction work in the building compromising the safety of the structure.

According to a Firstpost correspondent, Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap has been detained under Sections 304(2), 336 and 338 of the IPC. The leader and others associated with the case have been taken to the Parksite police station in Vikhroli for further questioning.

CNN News18 adds that the leader has been charged with negligence and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Earlier in the day accompanied by state housing minister Prakash Mehta, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the building collapse site.

Fadnavis said that the BMC has ordered an enquiry into the incident and that the report will be available in 15 days. He also said that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the collapse. "The government will take stringent action against the culprits," Fadnavis said.

Locals had been speculating right from the beginning that the building, which is owned by Shitap, caved in due to renovation work being held by in the complex by the leader. Congress leader Pravin Chheda went on to tell ANI that Shitap was planning to run a guest house in the building, and hence the onus of the tragedy lies on him.

Search operations are still underway to save the people feared trapped under the concrete rubble. IANS reports that at least 30 to 40 people are feared to still be trapped in the rubble. The report adds that the building in question, Saidarshan Apartment, was on the BMC's list of "dangerous buildings."

A BMC report reveals that there are over 791 dilapidated buildings in Mumbai. In the C-1 category, which according to the reports comes under the 'Action against ruinous structures' category, there were about 186 demolished before the monsoon. 117 other structures have been evacuated, the report adds. However, there are still over 488 dilapidated buildings that citizens in Mumbai still reside in.