A day after a five-storey paying guest accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan, killing seven people, authorities have begun taking action against those responsible for the tragedy.
Delhi Police on Monday, September 7, apprehended the owner of the building, identified in reports as Hariram Gupta, from Bhiwadi in Rajasthan. Police had launched a multi-state search after the owner went untraceable following Sunday’s building collapse that killed 7. A Look Out Circular was also issued as investigators began examining the circumstances that led to the disaster.
The decades-old building, located in the South Delhi neighbourhood of Satya Niketan near Delhi University’s South Campus, was being used as a boys’ PG accommodation. It collapsed on Sunday afternoon while repair work was reportedly underway, trapping residents beneath the rubble. The death toll subsequently rose to seven, while several others were rescued.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has suspended five officials from its South Zone following the tragedy, including the Deputy Commissioner, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineer (Building), Assistant Engineer and Junior Engineer. The suspensions have been ordered with immediate effect, pending disciplinary proceedings.
Authorities are now examining possible violations relating to construction, repairs and building safety. The tragedy has also renewed concerns about the condition of student accommodation in parts of Delhi, where ageing buildings are often converted into PGs to meet the huge demand for affordable housing.
The Delhi government has indicated that stricter action will follow, including measures against illegal constructions and greater scrutiny of buildings used for public accommodation.
