Ambala, 7 October (R. Singh):- Taking a strict view in the case involving the death of seven workers following the collapse of a three-storey under-construction building in Dhulkot village of Ambala, Additional Sessions Judge Hitesh Garg of Ambala has rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of the named accused, Hardeep Singh Jaggi, Sarbjot Singh and Simarjot Singh.
In its order, the court made it clear that anticipatory bail cannot be treated as a matter of right in serious crimes and accidents involving loss of human lives. With this decision, the accused will have to face the legal process.
During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel argued that his clients had no connection with the construction or ownership of the building. He termed the call details and purchase of bricks presented by the police as insufficient. The government counsel opposed this and, referring to the SIT report, told the court that the investigation had uncovered substantial evidence, statements of witnesses and electronic evidence directly highlighting the accused’s involvement in the construction.
In its order, the court, while referring to several important judgments of the Supreme Court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court, said that arrests are an essential part of the investigation process. The court also directed the SIT to investigate the role of the concerned officials and regulatory agencies that had ignored the illegal construction.
According to the case, at around 3 p.m. on 27 September 2026, a three-storey building under construction in Dhulkot village suddenly collapsed. Seven workers working at the site died tragically in the horrific accident, while several others sustained serious injuries.
The investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) so far has revealed that the entire building was being constructed in an unauthorised area without approved plans or permission. A report by the Municipal Corporation of Ambala City has also confirmed that the construction site was completely within an illegal zone. Investigating agencies are taking further action regarding the illegal construction and violation of safety standards. The process of providing compensation and assistance to the families of the deceased workers is also underway.
Human Rights Commission Intervenes
The Human Rights Commission has also taken notice of the collapse of the under-construction building in Dhulkot and the deaths of seven workers and injuries to 12 others. The Commission has sought detailed reports from the Deputy Commissioner, SP and Municipal Corporation Commissioner.
Following serious concerns raised before the Commission by complainant Amardeep Singh Bhatia, it has emerged that the building was being constructed in violation of building regulations. The accident is being considered a result of gross negligence in adhering to safety standards. Kuldeep Jain, Judicial Member of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, has taken a strict view of the matter.
The Commission has sought a report from the district administration regarding the exact number of people killed and injured in the accident, the relief and compensation provided to the families of the deceased, and the findings of any administrative or magisterial inquiry. The Municipal Corporation Commissioner has been asked to provide copies of complete records relating to the approved plans, NOCs, construction permits and previous inspections or notices.
The Superintendent of Police has been asked to provide details of the FIR registered, sections invoked, progress of the police investigation and action taken against those found responsible. The Human Rights Commission has also sought a report based on technical and structural expert assessment to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Commission’s Assistant Registrar, Dr Punit Arora, said that the Dhulkot accident is a serious human issue. It also raises serious questions about compliance with safety standards at construction sites and the monitoring mechanism of competent authorities.
