New Delhi: Police on Monday arrested 70-year-old Karamveer, the owner of the multi-storey commercial building in south Delhi's Saidulajab that collapsed on Saturday evening, killing six people. He was apprehended from his Vasant Kunj residence. According to police, Karamveer is a rental property businessman in the area and owns multiple holdings in Saidulajab and other parts of Delhi.
Owner's Statement and Investigation
Karamveer has reportedly told investigators that construction to add floors to the structure began about three months ago. He blamed the builder and contractor, claiming they assured him that all precautions and permissions would be taken, police sources said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Anant Mittal formed six teams led by SHO (Mehrauli) Ritesh Sharma to catch the suspects. The teams used technical surveillance and a local information network to trace the owner, but the builder, Manish Khatri, and contractor Siraj have fled. Police have launched a hunt for them, conducting raids across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the NCR region.
Probing Encroachment and Structural Modifications
Investigators are also probing whether the building was constructed on encroached land about 20 years ago. They will examine the sanctioned building plan and other records to determine what structural modifications were made over the years. Police will also take statements from those working in co-working spaces and agencies operating out of the building, as well as labourers employed at the site.
An official involved in the rescue operation said he had learned that drilling was being done on the ground floor to install a water tank. Investigators are expected to examine whether this activity had any impact on the building's structural stability. A senior police officer said forensic experts have visited the site and collected samples from the debris. The report is expected to provide information on what caused the collapse.
Additional Floors and Structural Integrity
The building was reportedly designed for four floors, but two additional floors were later constructed. Investigators will need to determine whether the original structure was capable of supporting the extra load or if the additions compromised the building's structural integrity, a rescuer said. “When a building is constructed, its pillars and structural framework are designed to bear a specific load. However, in many cases, additional floors are added without adequately reinforcing the structure,” he added. Police are also investigating whether the weight of additional structures may have caused the building's main pillars to crack, leading to the collapse.
Authorities are continuing their search for the absconding builder and contractor, while forensic analysis of debris samples is underway to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
