The Indian Express               21.06.2013

Aftab Manzil demolition begins today

Two weeks after the five-storeyed Aftab Manzil partially collapsed in Mahim (west), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will begun demolishing the entire structure Friday. The partial collapse had resulted in the death of 10 persons and seven injured.

Till Thursday evening, the corporation allowed the residents to return to Aftab Manzil and retrieve valuables.

"We wanted to give residents of the building a chance to collect their belongings. We plan to demolish the structure as soon as possible as it is a threat to the neighbouring buildings. It is standing very precariously; we have constructed a support-frame but we have to take care in this season," said additional municipal commissioner Mohan

Adtani. Contractor Mihir Barot has been appointed by the civic body for the demolition which will cost Rs 12.5 lakhs.

"A Combo Crusher demolition machine has been acquired for the work," said Adtani.

He said that an inquiry is on into complaints by residents that illegal alterations on the ground-floor caused the collapse and a report is expected shortly.

Prima facie the civic administration has said poor construction material may have led to the collapse.

However afresh investigation has been ordered after lawyer and second floor resident of Aftab Manzil, Rizwan Merchant provided civic chief Sitaram Kunte with documents of complaints to the BMC dating back to 2008 informing the civic body of illegal construction.