Resident had complained against illegal repairs: Mayor

Mumbai, July 19 (UNI) Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Shubha Raul today said a resident of the collapsed building, Anil Kothari, had complained to local civic authorities that the owner of Vardhman Jewellers, situated on the ground floor of Laxmi Chhaya, had removed a pillar, making the structure prone to crumble.

Talking to reporters here, Mrs Raul said the Jeweller, who owned three shops in the ill-fated building, had conducted heavy repairs that caused the building to collapse yesterday.

The number of dead has risen to 26, with a one month old infant amongst the casualty.

She said Mr Kothari had written to the local municipal authorities that the owner of Vardhman Jewellers had removed a pillar from the building and that it was dangerous.

Standing Committe chairman Ravindra Waikar said that the Corporation will take concrete steps to prevent any such mishaps in the future.

Refusing to divulge what action he will initiate against the guilty officials, BMC Commissioner Jairaj Phatak said Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh will take a decision on it.

Planning Commission member Bhalchandra Mungekar, who called on the Commissioner today, said the BMC should take action against the landlords who carry out illegal repairs in various parts of the city.

UNI