Building collapse: stern action against those responsible for lapses

Minister for Public Works P.A. Mohammed Riyas on Tuesday (February 24, 2026) said stringent action would be initiated if any officials were found responsible for lapses in connection with the building collapse at Valiyangadi that led to the death of four headload workers.

Addressing the media after visiting the site, the Minister said no one would be spared If negligence was confirmed. The structural stability of buildings in Kozhikode city should be examined seriously by the Corporation, he said.

The Minister had earlier discussed the matter with the Mayor, who informed him that inspections had already commenced. The Mayor, he said, had adopted a firm stand, and that no compromise would be permitted in ensuring compliance.

“This is a collective responsibility. A thorough inquiry must be conducted to identify those responsible, and strict action should follow,” he said. At the same time, he stressed that all stakeholders, including political parties, must unite to ensure that such incidents do not recur, and that the law was implemented in letter and spirit.

Mr. Riyas said he had also discussed the matter with Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh who said that the government’s position was to adopt a stern approach in such matters. Any official found compromising on enforcement would face action without exception, he added.

Mr. Riyas said it must also be examined whether any prior report had flagged concerns about the building’s condition and if so, why timely action had not been taken. He reiterated the government’s position that there could be no relaxation in assessing the structural safety of buildings.

While stating that protests in the wake of such tragedies were natural and legitimate, the Minister underlined the need for unity in preventing future mishaps. He observed that, at times, when evacuation becomes necessary, some individuals resist vacating unsafe structures and others support such resistance. This should not happen, he reminded.