New Delhi, Sept 3 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the recent building collapse in the Virar East area of Palghar district, Maharashtra, which claimed the lives of 17 people and left eight injured on August 27, 2025.
In a statement issued here, the Commission while citing a media report, observed that the collapse involved a four-storey apartment building, allegedly unauthorised and constructed over a decade ago. Despite this, residents continued to pay taxes to the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), under the impression that the building was legally authorised, supported by notarised documents.
Expressing concern over the reported incident, the NHRC noted that the circumstances point towards serious violations of human rights. Consequently, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), Maharashtra, directing them to submit a detailed report within two weeks, said the statement.
According to the media report, a senior VVCMC official attributed the collapse to the use of substandard construction materials. The residents had received three notices to vacate the premises, all of which were reportedly ignored. The building housed approximately 50 flats and several shops; the rear portion, comprising about 12 flats, collapsed, said the statement.
