Bengaluru building collapse: Owner supervised construction via WhatsApp video calls

The owner of the seven-storey building that collapsed on Tuesday, resulting in over ten fatalities, was reportedly overseeing the construction by directing the head mason through WhatsApp video calls, according to Hennur police investigating the incident, as reported by TOI.

This unusual method of remote supervision by the owner, Muniraja Reddy, 52, a civil engineer, has raised concerns among investigators. Authorities are now examining whether this remote management contributed to the building's collapse.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) D Devaraj stated that Muniraja Reddy is currently hospitalised due to health issues. He will undergo the arrest procedure once he recovers. His son, Bhuvan Reddy, and head mason Murugesha have already been presented in court and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.


Police sources revealed that Muniraja also selected the building materials through video calls and rarely visited the construction site. He designed the structure himself and initially entrusted the work to Murugesha. After the foundation was laid and four floors were completed, the project was reassigned to another mason, Elumalai.

A senior police officer mentioned, "We are compiling a list of BBMP officials, including the assistant executive engineer and executive engineer of the zone, who will be summoned for questioning and necessary action will be taken accordingly."

Inputs from TOI