Satya Niketan Building Collapse: The Delhi government has taken strict action following the collapse of a five-storey paying guest (PG) accommodation in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University’s South Campus, that claimed at least seven lives. Five Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials have been suspended, while the owner of the building, Hariram Gupta, has been arrested.
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The building collapsed at around 1:30 pm on Sunday while construction work was reportedly underway in its basement. Several people, including students, were trapped under the debris, triggering a major rescue operation involving multiple agencies.
Five MCD Officials Suspended
The MCD suspended five officials from its South Zone with immediate effect, pending disciplinary proceedings. Those suspended include the Deputy Commissioner, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineer (Building), Assistant Engineer (Building) and Junior Engineer (Building).
The action came amid questions over alleged lapses in monitoring and enforcement against unauthorised construction. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that anyone found responsible for the tragedy would face strict action. The government has also ordered the immediate sealing of illegal structures with unauthorised additional floors across Delhi.
PG Owner Arrested
Police arrested building owner Hariram Gupta, who had reportedly been absconding after the collapse. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the structural failure and establish individual responsibility.
The collapsed property, identified as P-14 in Satya Niketan, reportedly had a basement and multiple floors. Officials said there was no sanctioned building plan available for the structure and that basement construction was unauthorised.
Students Among Those Affected
Satya Niketan is a major student residential hub because of its proximity to Delhi University’s South Campus. The collapsed PG housed students associated with colleges including Sri Venkateswara College, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College and Motilal Nehru College.
