Shitap responsible for G’kopar house tragedy: Inquiry report

A 32-page report of the Ghatkopar building collapse nailed Sunil Shitap, the owner of ground floor maternity hospital of Siddhi Sai building.

The structure collapsed on July 25 killing 17 people and many others injured. Shitap had carried out unauthorised work and triggered the collapse. Hence he is solely responsible for the loss of life and property in this building collapse, the report observed.

The inquiry report made by Assistant Municipal Commissioner Vijay Singal and Deputy Municipal Commissioner (DMC) of Improvements Chandrashekar Chore and Roads Department Chief Engineer V P Chithore stated that the structure beams and columns were damaged severely.

Further, a mechanical hammer (Electric hammer) was recovered from the remains of the structure. It mentioned that the hammer drill needs an expert operator to offer controlled impact energy to be transfered to the structure. But due to over exposing of one or more columns and beams, the incident occurred.

The report also clearly mentioned that building residents made no complaint to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) though the alterations work was going on before building collapse. Earlier, two structural audits were done wherein the architect clearly remarked that the stability of the building was in doubt and needs urgent repairing. But no resident approached for work even after the audit report.

Meanwhile, during conducting of probe, the BMC also approached police to record statement of Sunil Shitap who is under judicial custody but the civic officials were denied access as they (police) claimed that until the charge-sheet is not filed, the accused cannot be contacted.

The report further stated that the Medical Health Officer (MHO) cancelled the registration licence of the nursing home though the Building Proposal Department did not issue completion or occupation certificate. Therefore, a prelimary inquiry has been initiated against MHO, Executive Engineer, Sanitary Inspector, Assistant Engineer, Sub Engineer and Junior Engineer. But the report mentioned that the MHO’s role doesn’t expect him to verify any unauthorized work going on at any site as his role is limited to cancellation of licence if the site is closed.

The report also elaborated that Padma Khade, the doctor of the nursing home, was pressurised by Shitap to vacate the plot, and as per her statement it said he was in hurry to carry out renovation work. Shitap’s wife Swati also wrote letters to BMC Ghatkopar ward (N ward) to cancel the registration certificate which was in the name of Padma Khade and changed it to Shitap’s name.

The report stated, “Shitap should be prosecuted by the police and MCGM under appropriate sections of respective Acts.”