Kolkata, July 8 (IANS) An internal probe by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has revealed that permission to construct the three-storeyed warehouse at Taratala in south Kolkata, which collapsed last month killing 16 people, was granted before the mandatory soil-testing report had been submitted.

Apart from this, the internal probe also found that the mandatory structural design was not documented during the construction work, a KMC insider said.

“After examining various documents following the incident, several procedural lapses have been identified. At the same time, a high-powered committee of structural experts from Jadavpur University has observed that there were several fundamental flaws in the design of the structure,” the KMC insider, aware of the developments, said.

He further said that investigations at various levels suggest the involvement of Kalicharan Bandopadhyay, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, in the alleged irregularities.

“It is evident that he influenced the process so that permission for the commencement of construction of the warehouse was granted despite the absence of proper documents and completion of the verification process,” the KMC insider alleged.

On Tuesday, the West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, announced a comprehensive relief package for the families affected by the Taratala warehouse roof collapse, including financial assistance, employment support, free medical treatment and educational aid for the victims’ children.

At a programme held at Nabanna Sabhaghar in the state secretariat, the Chief Minister handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the 16 workers who lost their lives in the June 24 tragedy. Those injured in the accident received financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each.

The tragedy occurred on June 24 when the roof of an under-construction warehouse in Taratala, south Kolkata, collapsed, trapping several workers under the debris. According to official figures, 16 people were killed and more than 15 others were injured in the accident.

–IANS

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