Delhi building collapse toll hits 7; HC orders PG safety audit across city
Death toll in Satya Niketan collapse rises to seven. Delhi High Court orders MCD to inspect all PGs within a week and questions hostel shortage.
The death toll from the collapse of a building housing students in Satya Niketan rose to seven on Monday, as rescue operations concluded after a 28-hour effort. The Delhi High Court, hearing the matter, expressed serious concern over the safety of students in paying guest (PG) accommodations across the capital and directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to inspect all such facilities under its jurisdiction within a week.
Police have arrested Hariram Gupta, 82, a retired Indian Air Force sergeant, his wife Urmila Gupta, 75, and their son Mahesh Gupta, 52. The property was registered in Urmila Gupta's name, but the PG was allegedly operated by her husband and son. Authorities are also searching for the PG operators and labour contractors who were carrying out basement repairs. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Amit Goel said their roles would be examined and action taken accordingly.
The MCD has suspended five officials. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government is exploring a policy to regulate buildings used for multiple purposes, including PG accommodations.
In court, a bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that the incident raised serious questions about student safety and the acute shortage of hostel facilities for outstation students. The deceased students were from Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. The court directed the MCD to verify whether PG buildings had valid construction permissions and complied with building bye-laws.
The bench stated that responsibility for the incident could not be limited to the property owner, and the roles of university authorities and the MCD required examination. It ordered the civic body to conduct inspections at the highest executive level and fix responsibility on public servants if the building was found to be unauthorised. The court also directed Delhi University to provide data on outstation students and the availability of hostel capacity. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the government was monitoring the situation closely.
Of the 12 people brought to AIIMS Trauma Centre, six were declared dead on arrival and one more succumbed later. Three remain in critical condition, while one is stable and another was discharged. Three patients at Safdarjung Hospital are reported stable. The court will hear the matter next on September 25.