Mathura Building Collapse: Magisterial Inquiry Ordered After 3 Deaths, Illegal Excavation Blamed

Mathura (UP), Jun 16 (PTI) — A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the tragic death of three individuals, including two young sisters, following the collapse of a multi-storey house in Mathura's congested Kachchi Sadak area. The incident occurred on Sunday during excavation work near the building.

District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh confirmed on Monday that the inquiry will be conducted by Additional District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Verma. He assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the collapse.

As per officials, three people lost their lives in the incident, while one person was rescued from the debris and is currently in stable condition. The deceased have been identified as Totaram, aged 38, and two sisters, Yashoda (6) and Kavya (3).

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar, the building collapse was triggered by unauthorized excavation work. “Some individuals unauthorisedly started digging near the multi-storey house (likely two or three storeys) using an excavator to vacate the plot for sale, which led to the incident,” he said.

The district magistrate also stated that the affected families would be provided assistance in accordance with government policies. Authorities have not yet specified who the individuals responsible for the excavation are, but investigations are underway.

The Kachchi Sadak area, known for its dense population and narrow lanes, poses challenges for heavy construction activity. Sunday's collapse has raised concerns over unregulated development and illegal land-related activities in the locality.

Officials are continuing the investigation to determine the exact cause and assess accountability. The administration has urged residents and landowners to refrain from unauthorized construction or excavation work, especially in congested urban zones, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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