'Less cement, filter sand cause of collapse'

The Mayor’s reaction came after he saw the debris of the broken wall on Tuesday. He took a sample of the mortar and was shocked to see it turn into powder with a slight squeeze. He observed that the contractor had not only used substandard and inadequate cement but also used filter sand, which is more or less soil and is banned for public works by the government.

Three-member team

Briefing mediapersons after concluding his trip, the Mayor said the BBMP will constitute a three-member team to probe the matter.  “We will constitute a team comprising of Chief Engineer (Infrastructure) Devaraj, Prof. C E G Justo and Dr C S Vishwanath, which will submit the report  in three-four days. Accordingly we will initiate action against the culprits,” said the Mayor. When he was asked how people with money and muscle power could even try to buy the investigators, Mayor said he would not  let this happen and would not like the investigation to prolong.

When the Mayor went for inspection, corporator Munirathna was around watching the developments unfolding.

When the Mayor went to the spot, Munirathna reportedly stood at a distance. Some of his men were also in the crowd, said sources. Munirathna followed the Mayor when he went to meet Sanjana Singh’s parents and watched the Mayor going inside the house.

KHRC seeks report

Taking a suo-motu cognisance of the Sanjana Singh case, the Karnataka Human Rights Commission has directed the BBMP Commissioner to send a detailed report with regard to the tragic incidence and the action taken by the Palike against the erring corporator or officials.

He also sought information about the compensation paid to the parents of the girl.