Building was sealed for violating norms

It was re-occupied by owner who is an AIADMK functionary

Despite the Chennai Corporation locking and sealing the building that caught fire in Vadapalani as early as in September 2016, for violation of development regulations, the owner re-occupied the building through the rear door, according to sources in the Corporation.

“The building owner approached the court and the matter is pending in the High Court. But the building is still under lock and seal,” said an official of the Chennai Corporation. The owner of the building, E. Vijayakumar, is a functionary of the AIADMK in T. Nagar.

Land ownership

According to sources, the officials were studying whether the building was constructed on patta or poromboke land.

Corporation officials said they had taken the initiative to lock and seal the ground plus four floor building following complaints from neighbours in ward 130 in Kodambakkam zone.

The building was constructed in 1992 and then reconstructed in 2004 with 10 shops on the ground floor and 28 houses.

The maximum damage in the fire was reported on the ground and first floors.

Chennai Collector V. Anbuselvan visited the spot and said an inquiry would be conducted as to whether the building was constructed in violation of development regulations.

Finance Minister D. Jayakumar said there were more than 10 lakh buildings in the city and enforcement remained a challenge. “Whoever violates the law must be brought to book. People also should come forward to pass on information on violations in their neighbourhood,” said Mr. Jayakumar.