Vasai–Virar civic body suspends assistant commissioner in Virar building collapse case

Nearly five months after the tragic collapse of the unauthorised Ramabai Apartments in Virar, a series of administrative and legal actions has brought municipal accountability into sharp focus. The incident, which occurred on a rainy night on August 28 and resulted in the deaths of 17 residents, has been officially linked to both illegal construction practices and prolonged regulatory negligence.

It has been confirmed that assistant municipal commissioner Gilson Gonsalves of the Vasai–Virar City Municipal Corporation was suspended for dereliction of duty. The suspension followed his arrest by the Mira-Bhayander Vasai-Virar police crime branch, where he was charged under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Police custody was granted for further investigation after it was alleged that statutory duties had not been fulfilled despite clear knowledge of the building’s unsafe condition.

Investigative agencies stated that preliminary communication describing the structure as dangerous had been issued by the officer, but legally mandated follow-up actions were not carried out. Required procedures under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, including serving notices to the contractor and landowner, registering an FIR, and ensuring evacuation of residents, were reportedly not initiated. Digital and physical records were cited to demonstrate awareness without enforcement.

The collapse investigation has also revealed deeper structural and procedural failures. A technical survey conducted by the state Public Works Department pointed to serious design flaws, improper foundations, and insufficient spacing between adjoining buildings, all of which were said to have contributed to uneven settlement and eventual failure. It was disclosed that the project had been executed without the involvement of an architect and that structural modifications were made without technical guidance.

Responsibility has also been extended to previous municipal officials. A structural audit conducted in 2018 had identified the building as unauthorised, yet no decisive action beyond issuing a notice had been taken. Another audit conducted just months before the collapse similarly resulted only in a repair notice, despite evident safety concerns. Both officials involved have been named in the chargesheet.

The chargesheet, supported by statements from 115 witnesses, has reinforced allegations of systemic negligence. While the contractor remains in judicial custody, the case has emerged as a critical example of how administrative inaction and illegal construction can collectively result in fatal consequences. The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement, institutional accountability, and reforms in municipal oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future.