Stalin moves HC for CBI probe into building collapse

DMK Treasurer M K Stalin today moved the Madras High Court seeking a CBI probe into the collapse of an under-construction multi-storeyed building in suburban Porur that left 61 persons dead in June last.
Alleging that Tamil Nadu government had yielded to "great pressures at the behest of high constitutional functionaries" in granting relaxation of the planning/development rules, he raised serious doubts about the impartiality of police and the investigation undertaken by them.
An independent and impartial inquiry by CBI was required to bring to books the culprits who have aided and abetted the construction of the building, he submitted.

Claiming that permission was granted for only six storeys, he alleged the builder had illegally constructed 12 floors.
The promoter of the building had clout and nexus with some of the state ministers and even before getting planning permission he had performed 'pooja' in 2011 in which a few ministers participated, he charged.
He further alleged that due to the "blessing" of the ministers, there was no inspection at all since 2011 by any planning or enforcement authorities or the local authorities till it crumbled on June 28.
A PIL is already pending before the court seeking a CBI probe into the collapse.