Is the Accused in the 2024 Kolkata Building Collapse Hiding in Abu Dhabi?
Synopsis
The investigation into the 2024 Kolkata building collapse reveals that the chief suspect, Mohammad Shahnawaz, has fled to the UAE. This incident, which led to the loss of 13 lives, has raised significant concerns about accountability and safety regulations in construction.
Key Takeaways
The Garden Reach building collapse resulted in 13 deaths.
The main suspect has fled to Abu Dhabi.
Interpol has issued a Yellow Corner Notice for his arrest.
The incident raised serious questions about construction safety regulations.
The Calcutta High Court is reviewing the state's response to the disaster.
Kolkata, Dec 22 (NationPress) In the tragic event of the 2024 Garden Reach building collapse in Kolkata, where 13 lives were lost and numerous others were injured, it has emerged that the chief accused has escaped India and is allegedly residing in the UAE.
As per police reports, the principal suspect, Mohammad Shahnawaz, has successfully gone underground in the United Arab Emirates while masking his identity.
The ill-fated building, which collapsed in the Garden Reach locality in 2024, was situated on his property. The Kolkata Police Headquarters (Lalbazar) has communicated with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) after pinpointing Shahnawaz's location. A police source disclosed on Monday that measures are being taken to extradite the fugitive back to India. Reports also indicate that a Yellow Corner Notice has been issued against him through Interpol.
It is important to remember that on the night of March 17, 2024, a structure built illegally in the Garden Reach area collapsed, crushing an adjacent community. Thirteen individuals perished under the debris. Legal action has been initiated against Shahnawaz, the landowner, and others involved.
The Calcutta High Court demanded a report concerning the state government's involvement in this calamity. The KMC has initiated its independent inquiry into the situation. Since the event, Shahnawaz has been evading capture. Despite extensive searches, investigators have been unsuccessful in locating him.
Police sources have revealed that following the disaster, he concealed himself at various locations in Kolkata and its suburbs for a while. Eventually, he seized the opportunity to escape to the UAE. It has been reported that Shahnawaz is presently in Abu Dhabi, leveraging his pre-existing business ties in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai to blend in. Consequently, law enforcement believes he has not faced significant challenges in residing in the country. However, Shahnawaz is reportedly using a false identity.
Notably, the police submitted a charge sheet 88 days following the collapse of the multi-story building. This extensive 730-page document outlined allegations under multiple sections, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy. An investigation is underway based on these accusations, naming Shahnawaz, the landowner, and six others as primary suspects.
Point of View
I believe that the ongoing investigation into the Kolkata building collapse highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations in construction practices. The tragic loss of life calls for accountability from those responsible, ensuring such incidents do not recur in the future.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the 2024 Garden Reach building collapse?
The incident involved an illegally constructed building that collapsed on March 17, 2024, resulting in 13 fatalities and several injuries.
Who is the main accused in the case?
The primary suspect is Mohammad Shahnawaz, the landowner of the collapsed building.
Where is Mohammad Shahnawaz currently located?
He is believed to be hiding in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
What actions have been taken against him?
A Yellow Corner Notice has been issued against him via Interpol, and efforts are being made to extradite him back to India.
What legal proceedings have followed the incident?
A charge sheet was filed 88 days after the collapse, outlining multiple charges, including murder and conspiracy.
