More than five months before Thursday’s deadly collapse of an under-construction building in Chawri Bazar, Delhi Police had written to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), flagging unauthorised construction at the property and seeking action by the civic body, documents seen by HT show.
Collapse, Suspensions and Police Case
The letter requested the civic body to inform the concerned agencies and take necessary action. Police also offered assistance for any action required at the site. You are requested to inform concerned agencies for necessary action at their end,” the letter stated. It added that police assistance would be provided whenever required, except on Fridays.
In a letter dated June 15, 2026, the station house officer (SHO) of Hauz Qazi police station informed the deputy commissioner of MCD ’s City SP Zone that unauthorised construction was being carried out at property number 4547-48 in Gali Sheesh Mahal, Ajmeri Gate. The building, located in the narrow lanes of Chawri Bazar, collapsed in two stages on Thursday morning, with the remaining floors coming down around 15 minutes after the initial collapse. Because the cramped lanes prevented heavy machinery, including JCBs, from entering, rescue personnel faced considerable difficulty reaching the site.
SHO/ Hauz Qazi dated …, I am to inform you that unauthorised construction is being carried out in the above said premises. “After receiving complaints, we had informed MCD about unauthorised construction at 4547 Gali Sheesh Mahal, Chawri Bazar , on June 15, but we are not aware of any action being taken,” a senior official aware of the investigation told HT, requesting anonymity.
“In continuation of earlier communication made vide No. …
