Gurgaon House Collapse Claims Tenant's Life, Injures Three Others
A tragic incident unfolded in Gurgaon's Dundahera village on Friday night when the roof of a residential house collapsed, resulting in the death of a 28-year-old man and injuries to three other individuals. Police have confirmed the arrest of the building's owner and caretaker in connection with the case, citing allegations of gross negligence.
Details of the Fatal Collapse
The deceased has been identified as Satish Mali, a tenant residing in the ill-fated structure. The collapse occurred around 8:30 PM, burying Mali under the debris. Another tenant, Ravi Jha, sustained serious injuries and was subsequently referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi for advanced medical treatment.
In a separate but related incident, Rahul Kumar and his wife Kirti were passing by the area on their motorcycle when chunks of stone from the building's balcony broke off and struck them. Both sustained multiple injuries and were rushed to the hospital alongside the other victims.
Warnings Ignored, Repairs Neglected
According to a formal complaint filed by Shravan Mali, the brother of the deceased, the occupants had repeatedly warned the house owner, Omprakash, and the caretaker, Rakesh, about significant rainwater seepage in the structure. The tenants explicitly highlighted the imminent risk of collapse, urging immediate repairs.
Allegedly, no corrective measures were taken despite these warnings. Furthermore, the complaint asserts that the tenants were not permitted to vacate the premises, as the owner sought to avoid losing rental income. This alleged prioritization of profit over safety has become a central point in the police investigation.
Emergency Response and Medical Reports
Panicked residents quickly gathered at the scene following the collapse, assisting in extricating the victims from the rubble and alerting the police control room. A police team dispatched to the location found that the injured had already been transported to Civil Hospital in Sector 10.
Medical examination reports confirmed the severity of the injuries. Satish Mali was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Rahul Kumar was found to have sustained six distinct injuries, while his wife Kirti suffered four injuries. Both were declared medically unfit to provide official police statements at the time.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Based on Shravan Mali's complaint and the corroborating medical evidence, the Udyog Vihar police station registered a case under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 125 (rash or negligent acts endangering human life or personal safety) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. The roles of the arrested owner, Omprakash, and caretaker, Rakesh, are being meticulously examined to determine the extent of their liability. Authorities have stated that further legal action will follow based on the findings of this investigation.
This incident has raised serious concerns about building safety standards and landlord accountability in rapidly urbanizing areas like Gurgaon. It underscores the critical need for regular structural audits and prompt attention to tenant complaints regarding residential safety.
