Mumbai building collapse: Arrested Shiv Sena leader in police custody for 7 days

Demanding maximum police custody, public prosecutor Vaishali Agawane said Sitap had knowledge the building would collapse if changes are made to it.

Shiv Sena leader Sunil Sitap, who was arrested last night in connection with the Ghatkopar building collapse, was produced before a court on Wednesday and has been remanded in police custody for seven days.

The rescued being taken to hospital. (HT)

Demanding maximum police custody, public prosecutor Vaishali Agawane said Sitap had knowledge the building would collapse if changes are made to it.

The police told the court the architect and contractor need to be questioned and the tools used for renovation, too, need to be recovered.

His wife, Swati Shitap, had contested Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on a Shiv Sena’s ticket.

The Parksite police has registered a criminal case against Shitap, and others have been booked under Indian Penal Code sections 304 (causing death by negligence), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others).

“Prima facie, it is revealed that the accused was carrying out illegal renovation in the building. At this juncture, it will not be appropriate to give other details as investigations are underway,” said Deven Bharti, joint commissioner of police, law and order.