The death toll in the Chawri Bazar building collapse in Old Delhi has risen to three after rescue teams recovered another labourer’s body from the debris on Saturday, November 7. The three-storey under-construction building collapsed in Gali Sitara, near Chawri Bazar Metro Station, on Thursday morning, November 5.
Rescue operations have entered their third day, with teams continuing to clear debris and search for anyone who may still be trapped. The incident has also raised serious questions about unauthorised construction, building safety and enforcement failures in the national capital.
Key Highlights of the Chawri Bazar Building Collapse
- Death toll rises to 3: A third labourer, identified as Pankaj Sharma, was found in the debris on November 7.
- Two workers injured: Sahdev Chaudhary and Firoz survived the collapse and received medical treatment.
- Rescue operations continue: Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, Delhi Fire Services and Delhi Police, have been involved.
- Unauthorised construction suspected: MCD officials reportedly confirmed that no building plan had been sanctioned.
- Three contractors arrested: Delhi Police arrested three contractors in connection with the incident.
- Administrative action: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta ordered the suspension of two MCD engineers.
What Happened in the Chawri Bazar Building Collapse?
The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 AM on November 5, when a three-storey building under construction suddenly collapsed in Gali Sitara, near Chawri Bazar Metro Station in Old Delhi.
According to initial reports, the structure gave way while construction work was underway on the third-floor concrete roof slab. The collapse trapped several construction workers beneath the debris.
Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) teams were deployed to conduct search and rescue operations.
The narrow lanes of Old Delhi created additional challenges for rescue personnel, making it difficult to bring heavy machinery close to the affected building.
Chawri Bazar Building Collapse Death Toll Rises to Three
The incident initially left two labourers dead, while others were rescued with injuries.
On November 7, rescue teams recovered another body from the rubble, taking the confirmed death toll to three. The deceased workers have been identified as Kishori, Sanjeet and Pankaj Sharma.
Two injured workers, Sahdev Chaudhary and Firoz, were also rescued and received treatment at Lok Nayak Hospital. Both were reported to be stable.
Police initially estimated that around 10–15 labourers were present at the site, while survivor accounts suggested that the actual number could have been higher.
Rescue teams have continued clearing debris and searching for any remaining victims.
Was Unauthorised Construction Behind the Delhi Building Collapse?
The incident has brought the issue of unauthorised construction in Old Delhi back into focus.
According to MCD officials, the building was allegedly being constructed without the required approval on a plot measuring approximately 50 square metres. No sanctioned building plan was reportedly available for the structure.
Officials also indicated that construction had reached the third floor and the building collapsed while the roof slab was being laid. The material used was reportedly non-engineered and had not been set properly.
Another significant development is that Delhi Police had reportedly flagged the unauthorised construction to the MCD in June 2026.
In a communication dated June 15, the Hauz Qazi police station had informed the civic body’s City Sadar Paharganj Zone about construction activity at the property and requested action.
The MCD reportedly said it had inspected the property after receiving the communication and found repair work underway. It later alleged that fresh construction was carried out under the guise of repairs.
Three Contractors Arrested After Chawri Bazar Collapse
Delhi Police arrested three contractors in connection with the building collapse. The accused were booked under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered the suspension of the concerned junior engineer and assistant engineer. She also directed authorities to conduct a detailed investigation and take action against those responsible.
The investigation is expected to examine the construction work, approvals, and possible lapses in monitoring the property.
Why the Chawri Bazar Incident Raises Wider Building Safety Concerns
The Chawri Bazar building collapse is another reminder of the risks associated with unsafe construction in densely populated parts of Delhi.
Old Delhi has several closely packed buildings, narrow streets, and structures that require regular safety inspections. Unauthorised construction and inadequate enforcement can increase risks for residents, workers and neighbouring properties.
The incident also highlights the importance of acting on construction-related complaints before they turn into emergencies.
The Chawri Bazar building collapse has once again highlighted the dangers of unauthorised construction and weak enforcement of building regulations in Delhi. As the investigation progresses, authorities will need to establish accountability and determine whether earlier warnings and safety violations contributed to the tragedy.
