Bengaluru Building Collapse Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to Nine

In the wake of the October 22 building collapse in Bengaluru's Babusabpalya, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has pledged support for victims' families and vowed to combat illegal constructions. The incident, which has resulted in nine fatalities, has drawn criticism from the opposition and led to arrests of those involved.

Bengaluru, Karnataka—The death toll from the October 22 collapse of an under-construction building in the Babusabpalya area has risen to nine following the discovery of another body on Friday morning. The building, located in the Horamavu Agara section of eastern Bengaluru, collapsed amid heavy rain on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site of the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased. He assured that the medical expenses for the injured would be government-covered, with additional compensation for them to be determined following hospital evaluations.

Siddaramaiah criticized local construction practices, stating that the building was unauthorized and collapsed due to substandard work, not rain. The BBMP has been instructed to halt illegal construction projects. An investigation has led to the suspension of several officials and arrests of individuals connected to the site.

The opposition BJP has seized the incident to criticize Siddaramaiah's administration, accusing it of negligence and corruption. An FIR at Hennur police station named suspects including Munirajareddy, his son Bhuvan Reddy, and contractor Muniyappa, who constructed the building.

(With inputs from agencies.)