Builders arrested for violating safety norms

DEPUTY Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday directed officials to identify unsafe and unscientifically built structures in Bengaluru, issue notices to negligent owners and file criminal cases against them.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Bengaluru

Shivakumar visited Rajanna Lane in Nagarathpete, where five people, including two children, died in a fire mishap due to a suspected short-circuit in a four-storey building that was constructed in violation of fire safety norms. After inspecting the spot with BBMP Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, and other officials, he told the media that many buildings in the city were being constructed beyond permitted limits, making them unfit for habitation. "In places meant for two or three floors, people have built eight or 10. Such unsafe structures pose risks," he said.