Top state official to probe Mumbra building crash

Almost a month after a building collapsed in Shil Phata in Mumbra killing 74 people, the state government issued directives to conduct an investigation by a single-member panel of additional chief secretary (ACS).

Almost a month after a building collapsed in Shil Phata in Mumbra killing 74 people, the state government issued directives to conduct an investigation by a single-member panel of additional chief secretary (ACS).

HT Image

The urban development department headed by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan issued a government resolution (GR) to this effect on April 26.

Although the GR did not mention it, chief secretary JK Banthia confirmed to HT on Wednesday that ACS (revenue) Swadhin Kshatriya would inquire and submit a report in three months.

The ACS is expected to start an investigation in accordance with the terms of reference once the Thane Municipal Corporation sets up the inquiry office for him.

Chavan had assured a probe after a heated debate on the issue in the state legislature last month.

Adarsh-2, which was built in a short span of time in Lucky Compound, collapsed on April 4 killing 74 people, including kids and women. A preliminary probe confirmed the nexus between Thane civic officials, police officers and builders.

So far, Thane crime branch has arrested 22 persons -- seven Thane Municipal Corporation officials, including the two deputy municipal commissioners, one policeman, two freelance journalists, a Nationalist Congress Party corporator, two builders and building material suppliers.

According to police, builder Salim Siddiqui’s diary led to the subsequent arrests.