Mumbai: Sunil Shitap, who owned four flats in Sai Darshan Society in Ghatkopar (E) which collapsed on Tuesday, was placed under arrest early on Wednesday after being questioned through the night. Shitap was produced in court on Wednesday morning and was remanded in police custody till August 2, police said.
Shitap had bought three flats on the ground floor and one on the first floor of the building, which he had amalgamated and leased out to a private nursing home. The nursing home was being renovated, and unauthorised and irresponsible changes made to the building's structure are believed to have led to the collapse, police said.
They added that Shitap, who was picked up for questioning on Tuesday night, was placed under arrest after he was found to be uncooperative. He has been charged under the IPC with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and endangering life and personal safety of others.
An officer at Parksite police station, which registered the FIR against the Sena leader, said, “Shitap had retained all four top posts in the society committee for himself and was in constant conflict with several residents over many issues. His renovation of the ground floor was being opposed by other residents, who were concerned for their own safety. We are ascertaining if he had conducted a structural audit of the building before starting renovation work, what the report was if yes, and why if not.”
The officer added that the contractor and architect involved in the renovation would also be questioned in connection with the case. “If inquiries indicate that they knew about the dangers posed to the building and still went ahead with the renovation project, action will be taken against them as well,” the officer said. The police have taken into custody 14 pipes used as substititues for pillars of the ground floor which were knocked down during the renovation, and will be seeking the opinion of experts as part of their investigations.
“We will begin inquiries with residents of the building after some days, as most of them are still dealing with either the loss of their near and dear ones or with the fact that they have lost everything. Statements will be recorded from as and when they are in a condition to cooperate with our investigation. Their allegations against Shitap will be verified in his interrogation,” said the officer.
