In the wake of recent heavy rains in Delhi, a significant incident occurred in Mahendru Enclave, Model Town. On Saturday, a building collapse was reported, sparking immediate concern for those possibly trapped under the debris.

The incident occurred around 5 a.m., leading local authorities to mobilise teams from the Fire Brigade and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for immediate assistance.

After a residential building, located in Pal area, collapsed, the rescue operation was launched with the help of teams of NDRF and local fire department.

Two workers perished and one sustained severe injuries in the Kabir Nagar area incident. Police promptly responded to a call received during the early hours of Thursday.

“This business of illegal construction has turned into a social menace, which we have failed to contain. But I am trying. There are a few other buildings in the area which have been identified as illegal. We will take steps against them,” Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim told reporters.

Justice Amrita Sinha, presiding over the matter, emphasised the paramount importance of prioritising human lives over legal procedures.

The tragedy triggered a war of words between the TMC and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party with the leader of the opposition in West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, accusing the TMC-led Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) of illegally filling up water bodies in collusion with local politicians and police. On the other hand, TMC leaders urge to not politicise the matter.

“An under-construction five-storeyed building collapsed around midnight. Two persons were killed and at least seven people were injured,” said city mayor Firhad Hakim. Police and disaster management teams swiftly evacuated 13 people, while the search is on for survivors who may be trapped under the rubble.