Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday ordered the immediate suspension of the area’s Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE) and directed the registration of an FIR against the contractor after a three-storey building under construction collapsed near Chawri Bazar Metro Station in Old Delhi, killing two people.
The collapse occurred in Gali Sitara, Sheesh Mahal, in the Chandni Chowk area.
According to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Gupta visited the site to review rescue operations, expressed grief over the deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families. She directed officials to provide immediate ex-gratia assistance to the affected families and ensure prompt, quality medical treatment for the injured.
Ordering a detailed inquiry, the Chief Minister said strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible. She stressed that public safety remained the government’s highest priority and urged citizens to adhere to structural safety standards during construction.
Teams from the Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed for coordinated search, rescue and debris-clearance operations.
In a post on X, Gupta expressed concern over the collapse and said rescue teams were working on a war footing.
She added that teams were working to rescue those trapped and provide immediate assistance to affected families.
In another post following her visit, Gupta said she had spoken to officials and rescue personnel and directed all agencies to coordinate closely, ensure prompt medical care and extend necessary assistance.
“My thoughts are with the affected families. We stand firmly with them and will extend every possible support,” she said.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu also expressed distress and directed administrative and emergency agencies to intensify search and rescue efforts and mobilise all necessary resources.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” he said in a post on X.
Sandhu also instructed authorities to ensure prompt, quality medical care for the injured and conduct a thorough inquiry to establish accountability.
(With ANI inputs)
