Mumbai building collapse: Death toll rises to 12, Shiv Sena's Sunil Shitap booked for culpable homicide

PTI photo

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday visited the site of building collapse in Ghatkopar and directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to file a report on the incident within 15 days. 

"The offence has been registered. Police is investigating the matter. I have directed the BMC commissioner to investigate and submit a report within 15 days," the Maharashtra CM told reporters. 

The Chief Minister also assured action against those responsible for the deadly mishap. "Government will take stringent action against the culprits," Fadnavis added. 

Meanwhile, the Mumbai police today booked and detained Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap for culpable homicide. Shitap is being questioned by the police, reported ANI. 

The cause of the collapse of the residential building is still unknown. However, locals alleged that the incident took place because of the renovation work being undertaken on the ground floor of a nursing home owned by Sunil Shitap.

During the rescue operation, nearby buildings, which were also quite old, were evacuated and vehicular movement nearby was stopped.

A BMC official told PTI that the death toll in the Ghatkopar building collapse had risen to 12 by today evening. 

Saidarshan Apartment, the residential building that collapsed today, was on the "dangerous buildings" list. Identified in a structural audit by the BMC, a DNA report states that such buildings were given permission for redevelopment. 

The residential building in Ghatkopar in eastern Mumbai collapsed this morning in which nine people were killed and over 50 people were feared to be trapped under the debris. Of the sixteen people rescued so far, three have died in the hospital. 

At least 14 fire engines, rescue vans, and ambulances besides teams of the state disaster management force were rushed to the site.