Delhi government orders magisterial inquiry into Seemapuri building collapse

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood has ordered a magisterial inquiry into a building collapse in the Seemapuri area of northeast Delhi that resulted in four deaths on October 7. The investigation, to be conducted by the district magistrate (North-East), aims to determine the exact cause of the collapse and establish accountability for any negligence or safety violations.

The incident involved a four-to-five-storey residential building located on a small plot. Preliminary findings suggest that demolition work using heavy machinery at an adjacent unauthorized construction site may have triggered the collapse through vibrations. Three neighboring structures sustained significant damage and were declared unsafe by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, leading to their evacuation.

The inquiry will examine potential violations of building codes and safety norms by property owners, tenants, and private individuals. It will also investigate possible lapses by government departments and civic agencies. Furthermore, the probe will review the implementation of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to recommend measures for preventing similar future tragedies.