Chennai building collapse: DMK demands CBI probe

The DMK Saturday submitted a memorandum to Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah, urging him to instruct the state government to order a CBI investigation into the June 28 building collapse here.

A delegation, led by party treasurer M.K. Stalin, submitted the memorandum.

A 11-storey under-construction residential apartment block collapsed in Chennai June 28, killing 61 people and injuring 27.

The project, comprising two 11-storey blocks, was being developed by Prime Sristi Housing Pvt. Ltd.

The DMK demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, alleging irregularities in the sanctioning of the building plans.

The DMK cited in its memorandum similar demands made by other political parties like the DMDK, PMK, CPI-M, CPI and MDMK.

The state government has ordered the setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) and a one-man commission of inquiry to investigate the building collapse.

The SIT will be headed by a joint commissioner of police and will function under the overall supervision of the Chennai city police commissioner.

Experts from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Anna University, other universities and the Public Works Department will be part of the SIT.

The one-man inquiry commission headed by Justice (retd.) R. Raghupathy will look into all aspects of the collapse. It will determine and fix responsibility besides recommending measures so that such incidents do occur in the future.