New Delhi: Following the Chawri Bazar building collapse Thursday, chief minister Rekha Gupta ordered the immediate suspension of the assistant engineer and the junior engineer concerned of MCD’s building department, along with the registration of an FIR against the contractor.After inspecting the rescue and relief operations at the site, Gupta said accountability would be fixed and negligence at any level would not be tolerated. CM also directed a detailed inquiry into the incident in which at least two persons have died.“Deeply concerned to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building at Chawri Bazar. Heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Teams from MCD, DDMA, NDRF, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police are carrying out rescue operations on a war footing,” CM posted on X, adding that teams are also providing immediate assistance to the affected families.Speaking to reporters, CM said, “The structure was ground-plus-three-storey. Further investigation will reveal the exact cause of the collapse.”“Strict action would be taken in accordance with the law against anyone found guilty,” Gupta wrote on X. The contractor, who was directly overseeing the project, has failed to ensure safety and security, which is why an FIR has been registered against him, she told reporters.An official said Gupta had asked agencies to make every possible effort to safely evacuate those trapped and ensure that the injured received the best possible medical treatment.Gupta has also ordered immediate ex gratia assistance to the affected families.CM also appealed to citizens to adhere to the prescribed building safety standards while constructing their homes to prevent accidents and loss of life or property. Govt is coordinating with teams from Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, Delhi Disaster Management Authority, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Centralised Accident and Trauma Services and National Disaster Response Force.
