The death toll in the building collapse in Dharwad has risen to five and a total of 55 persons had been rescued so far, Director General of Police N.M. Reddy told press persons in the city on Wednesday.
"We have been informed that still some persons are trapped under the debris. At least at four spots there are indications of people trapped underneath. Our priority is to save them first", he said.
Forty-five personnel of the SDRF, 110 personnel of the NDRF and eight rescue teams of the fire and emergency services are involved in the rescue operation.
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Mr. Reddy said a case had been filed under Section 304 of the IPC against the owners of the building. A special team would be constituted and arrests would be made soon, he said.
Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has expressed "shock" over the incident on Twitter.
"Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I have instructed the Chief Secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to Dharwad," he tweeted.
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