Kolkata Building Collapse: Toll Rises to 10, Landowner Arrested

In a tragic incident in Kolkata's Garden Reach area, the collapse of an under-construction five-storey building has claimed the lives of 10 individuals, with two more persons still missing. The latest recovery was made on Tuesday evening, as rescue workers unearthed the body of a mason from Murshidabad district, who was working on the ill-fated project. This unfortunate event has cast a shadow over the city, highlighting concerns regarding building safety and regulations.

The Kolkata Police have taken decisive action following the collapse, arresting the landowner on charges related to the construction of the illegal structure. The arrest occurred on Tuesday night, with plans to produce the accused in court the following day. This follows the earlier apprehension of the builder responsible for the construction, who is currently under 14 days police custody after being presented before a city court.

Rescue operations have been challenging due to the congested nature of the area, filled with narrow lanes that prevent the use of large equipment. The State Disaster Management Department, NDRF, Fire Department, and Kolkata Police's Disaster Management Unit have been tirelessly working since early Tuesday morning. Utilizing small tools to navigate through the debris, these teams have faced difficulties in their efforts to locate and rescue any survivors trapped underneath.

The collapse not only resulted in loss of lives but also inflicted injuries on 17 individuals, some of whom are reported to be in serious condition. Among the deceased were two women who resided in the vicinity of the disaster site. The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety measures and legal compliances followed by builders and landowners in Kolkata's rapidly urbanizing landscape.

This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to building codes and regulations to prevent such disasters in the future. As investigations continue and authorities take action against those responsible, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring such incidents do not recur.