"Now they are saying the matter falls under the JDA. Our map was approved by the municipal corporation. Despite this, the building has been declared illegal and demolished," he said.

The building, located on a 90-square yard plot in Malviya Nagar Sector-9, was nearly complete.

However, cracks appeared during excavation work near the basement on Saturday, causing the structure to lean to one side.

Two cranes had been deployed for temporary support, officials said.

Naresh Manwani, one of the three co-owners, mentioned that construction had been ongoing for about five months.

"A pit was being dug for the staircase when one of the pillars shifted, causing the tilt. Iron stairs were being installed for the basement," he added.