Delhi Police have sought the assistance of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to conduct a detailed structural analysis of the building collapse in Saidulajab, near Saket Metro Station in South Delhi's Mehrauli area. The collapse, which occurred on May 30, claimed six lives and left eight others injured, prompting an extensive investigation into the causes behind the tragedy.
According to sources, Delhi Police approached IIT Delhi earlier this month to obtain an expert assessment of the incident. A team of engineers from the institute has already visited the site and carried out an initial inspection. Officials said a second visit is expected before the experts submit their final report. The study will include structural evaluations, technical assessments and advanced 3D mapping to help investigators determine the precise sequence of events that led to the collapse.
Investigators have found that the building was originally constructed as a four-storey structure around eight years ago. At the time of the incident, however, expansion work was underway to add two more floors. One additional floor had already been completed, while construction on another was still in progress when the building gave way. Authorities are examining whether the ongoing expansion contributed to the structural failure.
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The occupancy pattern of the building has also come under scrutiny during the investigation. Officials said the ground, first and third floors were occupied and operational, while the second floor had reportedly remained vacant for several months. Investigators are reviewing construction records, occupancy details and engineering specifications to understand whether any structural modifications compromised the building's stability.
Preliminary findings indicate that the basement may not have been designed to withstand the additional load created by the construction of extra floors. Investigators are also looking into recent excavation work carried out in the basement for the installation of a water tank. Authorities suspect that the excavation may have weakened the structure further, potentially contributing to the collapse.
The IIT Delhi report is expected to play a crucial role in establishing the technical causes of the incident and determining whether building regulations or construction norms were violated. The findings could form a key part of the ongoing police investigation as authorities seek to identify accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The tragedy has once again raised concerns about structural safety, unauthorised construction and compliance with building standards in rapidly developing urban areas of the national capital.
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