Accident causes cracks in historical edifice

Varanasi, Mar 2 (UNI) A historical edifice in the Dashwashamedh area here, which once hosted likes of Dara Shikoh and Mirza Ghalib, devoloped cracks after major portions of four neighbouring houses collapsed late last night.

The building known as 'Baradari' and 'Purani Adalat' developed cracks after major portion of four neighbouring houses caved in allegedly due to unguarded digging at an underconstruction shopping mall in the vicinity.

Situated in the Pathar Galia locality, the building once famous for its courtesans in the past had hosted likes of Dara Shikoh, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's eldest son, and legendary Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib.

''Dara Shikoh, who was executed by his brother and Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, lived in this house during his stint in the city to learn Sanskrit and Vedas during the 17th century,'' claimed Mahmood Ashraf, the present owner of the house.

He further claimed legendry Urdu poet Mirza Galib also stayed here during his trip to Varanasi.

Over 100 people had a narrow escape, when the common wall of four two-storied houses caved in Kajipura Kala (Pathar Galia) locality, just in front of the Dashwashwamedh police station late last night.

An FIR has been lodged in this connection against the builders of the mall.

However, the builders have managed makeshift arrangements for the dwellers of affected houses at a nearby madarsa and also promised compensation.

District Magistrate Rajiv Agrawal said the matter will be probed and the loss of property is being assessed.

''The construction work has been stopped and the police would take appropriate action,'' Mr Agarwal said.

UNI