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The building that caved in at Someshwaranagar was to be a residential apartment. Investigation after the Monday’s incident revealed that the building owner, Saleem Mulla, was getting its
construction done at a fast pace so that he could give flats on rent. Those living around the building allege that construction work was going on even at night. Lalithamma, a homemaker, said
walls were erected overnight. She said they complained to the BBMP, but to no avail. Police said the five-storey building was erected in just five months. When home minister KJ George,
Bangalore Urban in-charge minister Ramalinga Reddy and BBMP commissioner M Lakshminarayana visited the spot, the residents apprised them about the building and their grievance. Residents’
protest The residents said they had staged a protest against the illegal construction of the building about a month ago, but still the BBMP did not take any action. They alleged that Palike
officers turn a blind eye to all the illegalities once their palms are greased; and they keep harassing building owners, even if all the rules are being followed, unless they get bribe.
Reddy assured people that the guilty persons, including BBMP officers, would be booked. The BBMP chief said the building would be demolished immediately after the rescue operation was over.