New Delhi, November 10: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of the seven people who lost their lives in the Chawri Bazar building collapse in Old Delhi.

The Delhi government expressed solidarity with the affected families and assured them of all possible assistance during this difficult time.

The tragic incident occurred on Thursday around 10.30 am when a three-storey under-construction building collapsed at Gali Sheesh Mahal, Gali Shehatara, near Ajmeri Gate in the Chawri Bazar area.

Following the incident, three contractors identified as Siraj, Tajuddin and Furkan, all residents of Sirohi village in Haryana's Faridabad district, were arrested by Delhi Police. A case was registered against them under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Preliminary investigations suggested that unauthorised construction on the second and third floors may have triggered the collapse, bringing down the entire structure.

Rescue operations were severely hampered by the narrow and densely populated locality. The building was located at the end of a dead-end lane barely three feet wide, preventing the entry of rescue vehicles, heavy machinery and trucks. Consequently, rescue workers, medical personnel and more than 30 MCD zonal labourers had to reach the spot on foot. Most of the debris was cleared manually, with compact equipment also deployed to assist the operation.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had ordered the immediate suspension of the area's Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE) following the incident. She also directed officials to register an FIR against the contractor and initiate necessary action.