Police Charge Building Owners as Rescue Operations Continue in Mohali Collapse

The rescue operation by the Indian Army and NDRF personnel is underway this morning after a multi-storey under-construction building collapsed in Mohali, Punjab, leading to one death yesterday.

As the operation continues at the site, essential equipment and machinery, in addition to those brought by the NDRF and Army, are being utilized, PTI reported.

Speaking to ANI, DSP Harsimran Singh Bal stated, “The clearance operations are ongoing. We have registered the FIR against the owners of the building.”

Two Casualties Reported

A 20-year-old woman, hailing from Himachal Pradesh, died after she was pulled out of the debris, PTI reported citing officials.

Hindustan Times reported that another body was recovered from the incident site, bringing the total number of casualties to two.

A victim of the incident, Drishti Verma, succumbed to injuries. “She was rescued from the debris by the National Disaster Management Force in critical condition. She was rushed to Sohana Hospital,” said Viraj S Tidke, officiating Deputy Commissioner.

The NDRF, Army, and state rescue teams have been working since Saturday evening to address the crisis. Medical teams, along with an ambulance, have been deployed at the site since Saturday evening.

“Indian Army reacted swiftly for the rescue. In a remarkable display of coordinated efforts, Indian Army Columns along with NDRF and State rescue teams have been relentlessly working to address the crisis,” officials stated.

Police have booked building owners Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh, Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek confirmed.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the incident, assuring that full administrative and rescue teams are deployed at the spot and action will be taken against those responsible.

(With inputs from agencies)