BBMP flagged structure a month ago, AEE suspended

BENGALURU: A day after the collapse of the six-story building in Babusab Palya on Tuesday, resulting in eight deaths and several injuries, It became legal that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued three notices to the owner, asking for documents and later directing him to remove the unauthorized floors.

Following the tragedy, BBMP assistant executive engineer Vinay was suspended in an attempt to calm public anger against the city administration and government.

According to available documents, the first notice under Section 313 of the BBMP Act, 2020 was issued on April 24, 2024 to the owner, Muniraj Reddy, who was given seven days to submit land ownership documents and construction details on 2,400- square feet land.

This was followed by a second notice under Section 248(1) of the BBMP Act, 2020, on September 13, 2024, which confirmed violations such as unauthorized diversions and floors, and directed the owner to remove them. At that time, the controversial building had five floors.

Again, on September 21, a third notice was issued under Section 248(3) of the BBMP Act, 2020, asking Reddy to authorize the unauthorized construction. However, the owner not only ignored the order but also added another floor. Despite these violations, BBMP officials did not take strict action and limited themselves to issuing warnings, indicating a possible attempt to evade responsibility.

As per the regulations, the BBMP is required to serve a demolition notice under Section 356 of the BBMP Act, 2020, if the owner fails to comply.

The entire process, from issuing the first notice to the start of demolition, must be completed in 117 days. However, due to delays on the part of the BBMP, a tragic incident occurred, say residents of Horamavu.