According to the Delhi Police, evidence of some construction activity on the floor has come to the fore, even though the tenant's application for renovation was still awaiting the civic body's approval.
A portion of a building collapsed in Connaught Place last week probably because of the unauthorised construction on the floor where a pub was to come up, Delhi Police's initial investigation has revealed.
The roof and front wall of C-block above Jain Book Agency had collapsed in the early hours of Thursday. The damage was so extensive that the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is still lifting debris from the corridor and the shops in the front row are still sealed.
According to the Delhi Police, evidence of some construction activity on the floor has come to the fore, even though the tenant's application for renovation was still awaiting the civic body's approval. As per norm, owners need prior approval from the civic body to carry out any kind of maintenance work. The property had recently been let out to a restaurateur, who was to open a pub in the place.
A crime forensic team of New Delhi district was called on the spot to list evidences and during the initial examination they found fresh cement stains.
"We have found some fresh cement stains on the walls but the investigation is still on. Also, there is a high probability that a load-bearing wall was put to work and so it came off. We will be checking whether there was any negligence or violation of norms on the part of the tenant," a senior police officer said.
Following the collapse, the New Delhi district police had written to the NDMC to share the details of the property owner. "The civic body's response to the letter reveals that the property was leased out to Deepak and Akshaya a few months ago. They had sought permission for renovation but it was pending with the civic body. We have not been able to reach out to them, so far. The duo and their contractor will be questioned in this regard," the officer said.
Before being leased out to them, the property was sublet to a salon, he added. "We have found traces of some construction activity but a probe is on ascertain its exact nature. We have details of the tenants and we will be questioning their role in the case," DCP, New Delhi, B K Singh said.
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