MCD suspends seven officials; Delhi orders action against unsafe buildings, structural audits for PGs and other public-use premises
A day after a five-storey boys’ paying guest accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan, killing at least seven people, police on Monday apprehended the alleged building owner, Hariram, in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. The arrest marks a major development in the probe into the collapse, which has raised questions over unauthorised construction, renovation work and civic oversight.
The building, reportedly around four decades old, collapsed on Sunday afternoon while renovation work was under way. Investigators are examining whether work in the basement and on the ground floor weakened the structure. Reports also point to water accumulation in the basement and possible structural deficiencies.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) suspended seven officials, including a deputy commissioner, from its South Zone following the tragedy. The civic body has also begun identifying buildings considered dangerous and is issuing demolition or sealing notices to prevent further accidents.
The MCD has ordered immediate action against illegal constructions exceeding four floors, while officials responsible for permitting or overlooking violations face disciplinary action. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial inquiry and said those responsible would not be spared.
The Delhi government is also working on a policy requiring periodic structural safety audits and certifications for buildings used by the public, including PG accommodations. The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of ageing student housing in densely populated neighbourhoods
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