Delhi Police flagged unauthorised construction five months before Chawri Bazar building collapse that killed two
A building collapse in Delhi's Chawri Bazar that killed two people occurred despite police warnings about unauthorized construction issued five months prior. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is under scrutiny for failing to act on the police report and for discrepancies in the building's sanctioned plans.
Why it matters
This incident underscores systemic failures in urban planning enforcement and municipal accountability regarding building safety.
NEW DELHI The Delhi police had flagged unauthorised construction at a property in Chawri Bazar nearly five months before it collapsed on Thursday, killing at least two labourers. A letter dated June 15, accessed by The Hindu, shows that the police had alerted the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to unauthorised construction at property numbers 4547-48 in Gali Sheesh Mahal, Ajmeri Gate, and sought necessary action. The letter was addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of the erstwhile City-SP Zone, now Old Delhi Zone. “I am to inform you that unauthorised construction is being carried out at the above-mentioned premises. You are requested to inform the agencies concerned for necessary action at their end. Necessary police assistance will be provided as and when required, except Fridays,” the letter stated.
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