Show-cause notice issued to CSI Church management over roof collapse in Vellore, says Collector

Revenue officials erected a wooden fencing around the church that was under-construction in Manji Krishnapuram village, to prevent trespassing. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Collector P.S. Leela Alex said on Friday that a show-cause notice has been issued by the district administration to the CSI church management to submit land approval documents and no objection certificates, to permit construction of the building that collapsed on Thursday.The action comes in the wake of the death of three workers, including a father and son, and 11 others who were injured after the scaffolding of an under-construction church in Manji Krishnapuram village collapsed. “We have also sought an explanation from the Church authorities on necessary clearance they have got for the construction of the building at the accident site. Based on the explanation and documents submitted by them, required action will be taken to seal the spot,” Ms. Alex said.The Collector added that adequate compensation would be given to family members of the victims by the State government. The condition of injured workers was stable, she said.  On Friday, as part of precautionary measures, revenue officials and local police erected wooden fencing around the under-construction church to prevent trespassing. Tiruvalam police also registered a case against a private contractor David, 50, who was being treated at CMC’s Ranipet campus for injuries, for negligence.The police said the CSI church had been under construction in the village for the past few months. The police said that as part of roof-laying work on Thursday, a steel scaffolding was erected at a height of 20 feet to enable 20 workers to work. Around 3.45 p.m., the scaffolding of the roof collapsed. Workers were trapped in concrete mixture debris and the scaffolding before rescue operations began. Published - September 12, 2026 12:30 am IST