Delhi building collapse: 3 contractors arrested after 2 killed in Chawri Bazar

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 6, 2026: Delhi Police have arrested three contractors in connection with the collapse of an under-construction building in Old Delhi’s Chawri Bazar, which claimed two lives and left five others injured.

The accused have been identified as Siraj, Tajuddin and Furkan, all residents of Sirohi village in Faridabad district of Haryana. They were arrested in connection with a case registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The three-storey building, located at property number 4548 in Gali Sheesh Mahal near Ajmeri Gate, collapsed around 10.30 am on November 5. The deceased were identified as Kishori (40) and Sanjeet (45).

A preliminary inquiry by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has pointed to alleged unauthorised construction and serious violations of building regulations.

The building owner, identified as Samiullah, had been advised by the MCD’s Maintenance Department on April 28 to carry out structural strengthening work under the supervision of an empanelled structural engineer, following concerns over the deteriorating condition of the property. However, the advisory did not permit fresh construction or reconstruction.

An inspection on June 15, following a police alert about unauthorised activity at the premises, found that basic repair work was underway. The MCD inquiry alleged that the owner subsequently undertook extensive reconstruction, including the addition of second and third floors, under the pretext of minor repairs and without obtaining the necessary approval.

According to the preliminary findings, the shuttering supporting a newly cast lintel on the third floor was allegedly removed prematurely amid fears of official action over the unauthorised construction. The slab had not been allowed sufficient time to cure and subsequently gave way, triggering the collapse of the entire structure.

The MCD also flagged discrepancies in the property’s tax declaration. Records showed that Samiullah had paid Rs 75,114 in property tax on April 22 under the self-assessment (SUNIYO) scheme for the financial years 2020-21 to 2025-26. The property was declared as a ground-plus-four-floor structure spread over 80 square metres.

Officials alleged that the declaration of additional floors in the tax records was an attempt to mislead authorities and obtain protection under special laws while undertaking unauthorised construction.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the collapse site along with Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood and ordered the immediate suspension of the area’s Assistant Engineer and Junior Engineer for alleged dereliction of duty.

She also directed officials to register an FIR against the contractor and building owner.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister’s Office said Gupta had ordered the suspension of the concerned engineers, a detailed inquiry and registration of an FIR against the contractor.

The Chief Minister directed authorities to provide immediate ex-gratia assistance to the affected families and ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. She also ordered safety audits of adjoining buildings and instructed field teams to identify and stop unauthorised construction across the national capital.

The rescue operation was particularly challenging due to the densely populated neighbourhood and narrow access to the building. The structure stood at the end of a dead-end lane barely three feet wide, making it impossible for rescue vehicles, heavy machinery and earthmoving equipment to reach the site.

Rescuers, medical personnel and more than 30 MCD zonal labourers had to access the site on foot, while much of the debris was cleared manually. Compact equipment and floodlights were deployed as search and rescue operations continued through the night.

Authorities have also initiated structural safety inspections of neighbouring buildings amid fears of further collapses.

Meanwhile, Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the government over the recurring building collapse incidents, alleging that such accidents were claiming lives in the national capital every month.

"Accidents are happening in Delhi every month, claiming dozens of lives," Bharadwaj said.

He further alleged that civic and police officials were collecting money from building owners in the name of safety inspections.

"After every incident, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta promises building safety audits. But in the name of these audits, MCD and police officials are collecting money from building owners. Now even the Fire and Revenue Departments are involved in these extortion practices," he alleged.