Four killed during mall demolition in Meerut; CEE arrested

Meerut: At least four members of a family died and one injured during the demolition work of an illegal construction in Meerut in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. Rescue operations are on as authorities believe more people could be buried under the debris. Localites gathered around the accident site and shouted slogans over the negligence.

Police has arrested the Chief Executive Engineer (CEE) of the Meerut Cantonment Board and also registered a case against the executive engineer and the demolition team.

People died are identified as Deepak Sharma, his son Honey and brother-in-law Pankaj, while one of the family members remained unidentified.

What is the matter?

• Four-storeyed shopping complex was constructed in the year 1996
• It was constructed on 210 B Bungalow estate that which reportedly belonged to the defence forces
• Matter went to the court which ordered demolition of the building
• Demolition attempts were made days back by the authorities but it was averted due to massive protest from the people
• Administrative officials were present on Saturday morning when the incident occurred

Allegations of being negligent

• Ex Cantonment Board member, Jagmohan Shakal accused administration officials of sheer negligence
• He said that officials ran away instead of helping the people trapped under the debris

The District Magistrate has ordered an enquiry in the case