Mehfil building collapse: UT report holds lessee, owner responsible
Deepak.Yadav@timesofindia.com
Chandigarh: The
fact-finding inquiry report
of the
Chandigarh administration
found both the lessee and owner of the Mehfil building in Sector 17 responsible for its collapse. In his detailed inquiry, the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of the Chandigarh administration's central division found that despite knowing that the
structural stability certificate
had not been procured, they renovated and altered the structure, ignoring the possible risks.
Now, the Chandigarh administration is going to send this detailed fact-finding report to the Chandigarh Police for investigations and suitable action as per the findings of the report. Sources said that the role of the architect of the building, contractor, and other technical people is also under question. These aspects will be probed by the Chandigarh Police from a criminal angle.
The detailed fact-finding report, which was submitted to the UT deputy commissioner, revealed that no safety measures had been taken even during repair work of the building. Moreover, no revised building plans had been passed by the estate office, and an objection was already placed. However, the lessee and owner ignored this and initiated renovation work.
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"This fact-finding inquiry into the collapse of the building, SCO No.183-185, Sector 17, Chandigarh, on Jan 6, 2025, is based on multiple aspects, keeping required records, documents, rules, and regulations in mind. Since the entire case is largely related to the building structures, structural strength, safety, and events which led to the collapse, all the related norms, permissions, and sequences of renovation or repair were also kept in mind while inquiring into the matter. All the concerned papers and documents of the building were minutely checked during the inquiry," sources in the UT administration said.
Imp Box: Report on lessee
1. It was well known to them that no structural stability certificate was procured by the owners despite clearly finding a mention in the lease document. They went on to renovate and alter the structure, ignoring the possible risks it carried
2. As per the lease document, possession of the premises was handed over to the lessee, and without their knowledge, no work could have been carried out
3. When repair work was in progress, no safety measures such as clamping of the structure were ensured, displaying absolute disregard for safety protocols
4. The contractors were never produced by the lessee despite repeated reminders. Although the counsel for the lessee argued that they were trying to get hold of them, they never filed any complaint, signalling a deliberate attempt to not produce them and mislead the undersigned
Imp Box: Report on owner
1. Despite a clear demarcation in the lease agreement that they were supposed to procure a structural stability certificate, they never got one in the first instance
2. Despite the fact that revised building plans were not passed by the estate office and an objection was already placed, they ignored the same and initiated renovation work
3. Despite their repeated claims that it was the lessee that was in total possession of the building, WhatsApp chats suggest that in the days preceding the collapse, the owner's contractor was also involved in renovation work simultaneously with the lessee
4. Despite the claims that the lessee invariably caused damage to the building, the owners didn't bother raising a formal complaint with the police until Jan 13, 2025, a week after the building collapsed. The reasons for the same may be best known to the owners.
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