Taratala warehouse collapse death toll rises to 11; govt orders building plan audit

At around 1:15 pm, another body was recovered from the collapse site and taken to the Trauma Care Centre at SSKM Hospital.

Officials said the identity of the deceased is yet to be established.

Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Army personnel, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies continued intensive search and rescue operations at the site.

CM alleges irregularities in building approval

Addressing the Assembly, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged serious irregularities in the approval process of the warehouse building plan.

Presenting documents in the House, he claimed the structure had been sanctioned despite flaws in its design.

Referring to records, including documents bearing the signature of former Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, Adhikari said the government's fact-finding report had already identified lapses in the approval process.

He also questioned the role of engineers and officials involved in granting clearance to the project.

The chief minister alleged that corruption and the collection of "cut money" under the previous regime had compromised public safety.

Five arrested, main accused absconding

Adhikari said five people have been arrested in connection with the collapse and warned that no laxity in the investigation would be tolerated.

Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Those arrested include the construction company's supervisor, the iron structure fabricator, the lessee of the land, the labour supplier-cum-Trimex contractor and a broker allegedly involved in securing KMC approval for the project.

He informed the Assembly that the prime accused, identified as Azgar, remains absconding.

Construction activities suspended

Following the tragedy, the state government has suspended all ongoing construction work, except essential services, for the next four weeks in the Kolkata Municipal area and neighbouring regions, including Rajarhat-New Town, Maheshtala, Budge Budge, Pujali, Bishnupur, Sonarpur and Baruipur.

Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

During this period, all approved building plans in these areas will undergo a detailed audit.

High-level panel formed

A high-level committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Pandey has been constituted to oversee the audit process.

The panel comprises senior government officials and representatives from IIT Kharagpur, RITES, IRCON, the Fire Services Department, the Public Works Department and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

'No compromise on human lives'

The chief minister praised the Army and NDRF for their rescue efforts and reiterated the government's commitment to accountability.

Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

He said those found responsible would face strict legal action, including imprisonment. Their properties could also be confiscated, if required, to compensate the victims and their families.

"The government will make no compromise when it comes to human lives," Adhikari said.