Multi-agency rescue operation continues

The Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Railways, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence and other agencies are jointly carrying out rescue and recovery operations at the collapse site.

Authorities are continuing to clear the debris amid fears that more people may still be trapped underneath.

Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Injured undergoing treatment

Those injured in the collapse have been admitted to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, where they are undergoing treatment.

Search intensified amid fears of more victims

According to a Bengali media report, the rescue operation has been intensified as teams continue searching for additional bodies beneath the rubble.

Rescuers have also reported a foul odour emanating from the debris, raising concerns that more victims may still be trapped under the collapsed structure.

Six arrested in connection with collapse

Six individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Those arrested are:

  • Gulzar Hussain, supervisor of Ayan Traders
  • Kamal Samanta, iron structure fabricator
  • Sambhunath Behera, lessee of the land
  • Dibakar Bhandari, labour supplier and Trimex contractor
  • Abdul Hamid, broker involved in obtaining sanction plans from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
  • Kalicharan Banerjee, former Officer on Special Duty (OCD) to former Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim

SIT constituted to probe incident

The West Bengal government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the collapse.

The SIT is headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joysurja Mukherjee and will examine the circumstances leading to the accident, including alleged violations in the construction approval process.

Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Accident raises questions over construction safety standards

The collapse has triggered questions over construction safety standards and compliance with sanctioned building plans under the Trinamool Congress regime which was voted out of power last month.

Authorities are expected to scrutinise the project's approvals, execution and oversight as part of the ongoing investigation.