The death toll following a building collapse in Bengaluru’s Babusapalya has risen to eight, with six more bodies recovered during the ongoing search and rescue efforts. The incident took place on October 22, during heavy rains, trapping 21 workers from Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in the rubble. CCTV footage shows the first floor of the building collapsing and the entire six-story structure collapsing.

A night-long rescue operation, involving the NDRF, SDRF, police and fire brigade, is still underway to rescue people trapped in the rubble. The victims include workers from different states, with some bodies identified as those of Mohamed Arman, Mohammed Sahil, Srin Kirupal, Solo Paswan, Manikantan, Sathyaraju, Tulasi Reddy and Pulchan Yadav. Authorities believe that two others, namely Gajendra and Elumalai, are still buried under the rubble.

Seven other workers were rescued and are being treated in three city hospitals. The workers under treatment include Jagadevi, Okil Pashwan, Nagaraju, Ramesh Kumar, Arman and Ayaz.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced Rs 5,00,000 each for the families of the deceased.

According to a report by The Hindu, the building was illegal and constructed on kharab ‘B’ land, and authorities revealed that the structure did not have proper permits. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had issued three notices to stop construction, but the builder continued anyway. It was initially thought that only two additional floors had been built illegally, but further investigation revealed that the entire structure was unauthorized.

Following the collapse, Vinay K, deputy executive engineer of BBMP, was suspended and an FIR was filed against the builder. The complaint, filed by one of the injured workers, Mohammed Arshad, alleges that substandard materials were used and no safety measures were provided for the workers. Three people were arrested: Muniraju Reddy, the owner of the building; his son, Bhuvan Reddy; and entrepreneur Muniyaappa.

The three men were charged under sections 100 (culpable homicide), 105 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 125 (a and b) (act endangering the life or personal safety of others ) and 270 (public nuisance) of Bhartiya. Nyaya Sanhita. Sections 326 (violation of law), 327 (violation of rules) and 328 (violation of regulations) of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Act and section 3 (pre-registration of real estate project) of the real estate regulatory authority were also invoked.

The Karnataka Lokayukta also registered a suo motu case and initiated an investigation. Justice BS Patil and his team inspected the collapsed structure and highlighted the gross negligence of BBMP officials, revealing that the building was under construction for two years without proper approvals and intervention of authorities.

Speaking to reporters, Justice BS Patil said, “We were told that the construction has been going on for two years, but BBMP officials have not taken any steps to stop it. No notice was issued until four floors had already been built. These are our initial conclusions… We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. From the highest officials to the lowest levels, everyone involved will be held accountable.