"Incident is both tragic and alarming": BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Mustafabad building collapse

New Delhi [India], April 19 (ANI): Following the tragic building collapse in Mustafabad on Saturday, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it both "tragic and alarming."
Speaking to ANI, Tiwari, who is also the Member of Parliament from Northeast Delhi, alleged long-standing corruption in Delhi's construction sector as a key factor, alleging that for 27 years, no concrete action was taken against unsafe construction practices.
"This is a very concerning incident. We are trying first to evacuate people from the area. But this incident is both tragic and alarming. From what I've learned, a four-storey building was constructed on a very thin wall, and then it suddenly collapsed. People need to be cautious," Tiwari said.
"There will be an investigation, but those who construct buildings should at least ensure they are safe. There is so much corruption in building construction in Delhi, and this is a direct result of that. For 27 years in the capital, no action was taken on this issue. Now that our government is in power in Delhi, we must get to the root of who the people are that, by taking bribes, allow buildings to be constructed without proper approvals. Whoever they are connected to, strict action must be taken against all of them," the BJP MP said.
Earlier today, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed condolences after four people lost their lives in a building collapse incident at Mustafabad.
In a post on X, CM Gupta asserted that strict action will be taken against the culprits.
"The heart is deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the building collapse in Mustafabad. Orders have been given to investigate the incident, and strict action will be taken against the culprits. DDMA, NDRF, DFS and other agencies are continuously engaged in relief and rescue operations," she said.
According to the latest update, four people have succumbed to their injuries, and 14 people were rescued from the incident site.
Meanwhile, Delhi Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker and Mustafabad MLA Mohan Singh Bisht alleged that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and such departments are drenched in corruption.
"Three months ago, when I won the elections, I was in this area. I had said at that time that this building could cause an accident. I have told the Delhi LG and MCD commissioner that action should be taken against the officials for their negligence. Appropriate compensation will be provided to the family of the deceased... The entire Mustafabad is full of buildings that can cause harm. Buildings have been constructed illegally. The power companies are not providing power connections to the poor, but there are electric poles inside the houses... MCD and such departments are drenched in corruption, and this incident has exposed them," Bisht said. (ANI)