Most Lyari building collapse victims belong to Hindu community

Leaders seek govt support for families left shelterless after building collapse

KARACHI:

Most victims of Friday's building collapse in Lyari's Baghdadi area belong to the Kutchi Maheshwari Meghwar Hindu community, The Express Tribune has learnt. At least 16 members of the community have died in the tragic collapse of the five-storey derelict apartment building, while more are still feared trapped beneath the rubble.

According to rescuers and community leaders, more than 20 Meghwar families lived in the building when it came crashing down early Friday morning. By Saturday evening, the bodies of 16 people, including 25-year-old Rohit and his wife Geeta, had been retrieved. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with at least four more people believed to be missing.

The final rites for the victims will be held at Kutchi Hall in Old Kumharwara, while burial will take place in the Hindu graveyard near Mowach Goth. Contrary to the widespread Hindu tradition, the Meghwar community doesn't practice cremation; instead, they bury their dead.

The tragedy has plunged the tight-knit community into mourning. Most of the victims are said to belong to the same extended family. Their bodies have been placed in cold storage at Bilquis Edhi Maternity Home on Moosa Lane, while grieving relatives have gathered at the nearby Muslim Kutchi Jamaat Khana.

Community spokesperson Reema Maheshwari confirmed that the burials would take place on Sunday. "This is a heartbreaking loss. Entire families have been wiped out," she told The Express Tribune. "We urge the authorities to support us during this difficult time."

The deceased have been identified as Dayalal Shivji, Prabai Kishan Sondha, Prantik Harsi Sondha, Prem Kishan Sondha, Vandana Kailash, Archana Vishal, Kishan Dayalal, Ayush Jamna Das, Shani Jamna Vanjora, Kailash Jamna Vanjora, Usha Kailash, Prakash Shivji, Chetan Shivji, Rohit, and Geeta.

Lakshman Moraj Bagra, President of the Kutchi Maheshwari Meghwar Panchayat, described the incident as "a catastrophe beyond words". "Families that were once vibrant and full of life have now been buried under concrete," he said, calling on the government to ensure proper rehabilitation of the affected families.

Bagra also confirmed that two women injured in the collapse are under treatment in hospital. He added that while some residents had managed to escape when signs of structural instability appeared, others who returned to collect belongings were caught in the collapse.

Maharaj Ram Nath, the chief pontiff at the Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, expressed sorrow over the tragedy and extended solidarity with the bereaved families. "This tragedy has shaken our entire community. The government must ensure that the survivors are provided alternative shelter and long-term support," he said while speaking to The Express Tribune.

Rescue operations are ongoing amid fears that more bodies may still be trapped under the debris. A formal investigation into the cause of the building collapse is yet to be announced.