Parties bicker as 8 people die in Kolkata house collapse

An unauthorized, underconstruction multi-storied building collapsed on shanties next to it in Kolkata late last night, killing eight people in a minority-dominated part of the city.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

The toll may go up further as rescuers toil to clear the debris under which more people are feared trapped.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, recuperating at home after an accident last week, visited the spot in the Garden Reach area with a bandaged head and a black hijab-like cloth wrapped around her face to announce a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each death.

While the Trinamool Congress tried to deflect blame to its predecessor the CPM for illegal construction in the city, the BJP slammed the ruling party for having different yardsticks keeping in mind its vote bank politics. It said that the Chief Minister had no time to visit Sandeshkhali where her partymen grabbed land and sexually exploited women, but rushed to Garden Reach flouting doctor's orders.

Mamata Banerjee reached the spot to take stock of rescue efforts. She also met the injured at a nearby health facility. Speaking to journalists, she raised concerns about whether permission was taken for such construction. She added that those constructing highrises should be mindful of nearby shanties and huts.

"I asked the Mayor whether permission was taken for the building. He said no," Banerjee said.