MOHALI: The inquiry report regarding the Sohana building collapse, which resulted in two fatalities, has found the building owners and contractor culpable due to their negligence. The findings establish equal liability and guilt for both parties concerning abetment and collusion.
The two proprietors, Gagandeep Singh and Parminder Singh, residents of Chao Majra village in Mohali district, were initially arrested but subsequently released on bail.
Mohali SDM Damandeep Kaur conducted the investigation and submitted her findings to the Mohali deputy commissioner after 65 days of the incident for subsequent action.
The investigation revealed that based on all available evidence and documentation, the building’s collapse occurred due to the negligent actions of both the contractor and owners.
The report highlighted that excavation at the construction site had extended below the existing building’s foundation, triggering its collapse. Expert analysis indicated that excavations deeper and closer to adjacent structures increase collapse risks due to soil settlement or uneven soil pressure, disrupting structural equilibrium.
The findings additionally emphasise that when owner involvement is established or suspected, anyone who assisted in furthering the act bears equal responsibility for abetment and collusion. The contractor’s role warrants attention, as excavation commenced without proper precautionary measures due to insufficient expertise.
The magistrate concluded that the incident resulted in two casualties and property damage, causing significant public distress. The co-owners bear direct responsibility, with the contractor sharing equal culpability.
The report indicates that all relevant government directives were circumvented through deliberate misconduct and malicious intent. The findings have been forwarded for appropriate governmental action.
On Dec 22, 2024, a five-storey building collapsed in Sohana village of Mohali, claiming two lives. Drishti, a 29-year-old bride-to-be from Theog near Shimla, awaiting her March 2025 wedding, tragically lost her life in the incident. Abhishek Dhanwal, aged 28, from Ambala, was extracted from the rubble but was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital.
The 23-hour rescue operation involved approximately 140 NDRF personnel, 167 members from the Army’s 57 Engineers Regiment, over 300 local police officers, and additional allied department staff.
Source Homevior.in
