Hyderabad, November 20: Authorities in Hyderabad have started demolishing a four-storey building that suddenly tilted on its side, causing panic among residents. The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) was demolishing the structure at Siddiq Nagar in Gachibowli district with the help of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other agencies.

Before starting the demolition process, the authorities evacuated the houses around the building to avoid any untoward incident. Panic broke out in the area after the building suddenly collapsed on Tuesday night. Citizens, afraid that the building would collapse, ran out.

One person was seriously injured by jumping from the third floor. The man, identified as Iqbal Hussain, was transported to a nearby hospital.

Police and teams from HYDRA, GHMC and Revenue Department rushed to the spot to assess the situation and ensure security. Due to the dark weather, officials postponed plans to inspect the structural integrity of the building.

Police cordoned off the area as a precaution. Citizens were told to stay away from the building. On Wednesday, officials inspected the building and decided to demolish it.

Agencies mobilized men and machines for demolition. The work is expected to be completed within the day. The building appears to have been tilted due to excavation work in an adjacent basement. Neighborhood residents blamed the builder who excavated the basement.

Swapna, the owner of the leaning building, demanded that the authorities pay compensation to the adjoining builder. He said that they sold their agricultural land to build the building, and that the demolition of the building would leave the family in a difficult situation.

City officials launched an investigation to determine whether the owner had valid permits for construction. The incident took place during the ongoing action of the newly formed HYDRAA to demolish unauthorized structures in and around Hyderabad.
IANS