Delhi building collapse : PG owner, wife and son arrested; rescue ops over, toll at 7

At least seven people were killed after a five-storey building being used as a boys’ paying guest accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday. The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) related to the incident.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the collapse site on Sunday. Police have also apprehended building owner Hariram Gupta after a lookout circular (LOC) was issued against him and his family members, a senior police officer told HT.

Rescue operations continued for the second consecutive day on Monday, with teams searching the debris for anyone who may still be trapped. Delhi Police personnel and a dog squad have also been deployed at the site.

The building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus and opposite Sri Venkateswara College, collapsed at around 1:30 pm on Sunday while repair work was reportedly underway in the basement.

The structure had a basement and five floors above ground. Ten people were rescued from the debris and rushed to hospital, with several reportedly in critical condition.

Rescue agencies deployed

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other agencies worked through the night to clear the rubble and search for survivors.

CM orders magisterial inquiry

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the collapse, while Delhi Police have registered an FIR against the building owner.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse, including the repair work reportedly being carried out in the basement. Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has ordered the immediate sealing of illegal constructions exceeding four floors following the incident.

ABVP protests at MCD headquarters

Around 150-200 ABVP students gathered at the Delhi Civic Centre on Sunday and staged a protest against the MCD over the building collapse. The protesters entered through Gate No. 5 and staged a dharna outside the main building.

The ABVP demanded the resignation of the MCD commissioner, alleging negligence and lapses in enforcing safety norms at paying guest accommodations in student-dominated areas. It also called for an impartial investigation and safety audits of all PG buildings across Delhi.

Around 15 students were detained following a scuffle with police during the protest.