NEW DELHI – The owner of a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Satya Niketan, Delhi, along with his wife, has been sent to judicial custody following the fatal collapse of their building. Hariram Gupta and Urmila Gupta were remanded for 14 days, while their son Mahesh Gupta received two days of police custody in connection with the incident that killed seven people and injured five.
The five-storey building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed on Sunday around 1:30 PM while repair work was underway. A 27-hour rescue operation concluded on Monday, revealing critical issues related to the building's structural integrity and compliance with regulations.
Lapses and Official Action Emerge
Investigations into the collapse have uncovered significant lapses, including the alleged construction of additional floors without proper permissions. The building, originally a basement plus four floors on a 55-square-yard plot, reportedly had two extra floors added approximately two years ago. Authorities are also scrutinizing repair work in the basement and ground floor, as well as the absence of adequate safety checks, including a lack of an emergency exit.
In response to the tragedy, five Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials have been suspended. The Delhi High Court has initiated a high-level inquiry into the role of civic authorities, broadening the scope of the investigation beyond the immediate circumstances of the collapse.
Government Orders Wide-Ranging Inspections
The incident has prompted swift action from the Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered the immediate sealing of all unauthorized fifth floors across Delhi. Furthermore, comprehensive inspections of nearby PG accommodations and other buildings are underway, with strict penalties, including sealing, threatened for any violations found.
The Lieutenant Governor has also directed structural audits and inspection drives in areas with a high concentration of paying guest accommodations, emphasizing a renewed focus on student housing safety and regulatory compliance.