Rs.2 lakh compensation for Delhi building collapse victims

NEW DELHI - Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Tuesday announced compensation of Rs.2 lakh each to families of those killed in the building collapse in east Delhi. At least 65 people died and 78 were injured in the incident.

“Normally we give a compensation amount of Rs.1 lakh in such cases, but in this incident we will double the compensation amount. Those injured will be given Rs.50,000 and will be treated in the hospitals for free,” Dikshit, who visited the collapse site at Laxmi Nagar Tuesday, told reporters.

“As of now, 65 people have died in the collapse,” she added.

The disaster took place at 8.15 p.m. Monday when the building was occupied by dozens of labourers, mostly from West Bengal and Bihar.

“A magisterial enquiry has been ordered and we will wait for the report to take action. A case has been registered against the owner of the building by the police,” Dikshit said.

“He is absconding now. But he will be caught and we will give him exemplary punishment,” the chief minister said.

“If any Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) official is found at fault, action will be taken. We will have a high-level meeting today (Tuesday) to discuss the matter,” she added.