Misclassification Led to 10 Deaths in Bhiwandi Building Collapse
An administrative lapse that misclassified a dangerous four-storey structure in the Balaji Nagar area of Bhiwandi let residents remain inside the building before it collapsed on the night of July 30, killing 10 people and injuring three others.
A senior official with the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) stated that the Kohinoor Building, which contained 48 rooms with 12 on each floor, was incorrectly categorized by the local ward officer, delaying necessary safety interventions.
In an official list published on May 12, the building in civic ward 04 was placed under the 'C2B' category. Across that ward, officials had placed 55 buildings in 'C-1', 164 in 'C2A', and 107 in the 'C2B' category. Because the 'C2B' classification did not require immediate eviction, residents were permitted to stay while a contractor began carrying out repairs without obtaining permission from the BNCMC.
Local staff also provided inaccurate information to senior administration. During an August 5 meeting with Thane Collector Shrikrishna Panchal, who is holding charge as BNCMC commissioner, ward staff incorrectly claimed the building was listed under Category 'C2A', hiding its actual structural degradation and delaying forceful intervention.
The BNCMC had originally identified the building as dangerous on September 7, 2020, ordering property owners to submit a structural audit report, followed by a reminder notice on April 22, 2022. Following non-compliance, eviction notices were issued on June 5, 2026, and electricity and water supplies were disconnected before families were evacuated. However, property owners illegally initiated structural repair works.
In response to the fatal collapse, Panchal ordered a comprehensive re-audit and re-classification of all structures under the C-1, C2A, and C2B categories across Bhiwandi. Disciplinary action and direct criminal or administrative accountability will be enforced against civic officials found submitting false or negligent classifications.
Police have registered an FIR against the building owner and the contractor who was allegedly executing unauthorised work on the premises. Officials confirmed that the civic commissioner has proceeded on leave.
