Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces action after seven deaths; FIR flags illegal construction and basement work
New Delhi, September 8: The Delhi government has ordered the demolition of a building adjoining the collapsed paying guest accommodation in Satya Niketan after it was declared unsafe, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Tuesday. The structure is scheduled to be demolished on Wednesday as authorities step up safety checks in the area.
The five-storey PG building collapsed on Sunday, killing seven people, including five students and two labourers, and injuring five others. Rescue operations continued for nearly 27 hours before being called off on Monday.
The investigation has increasingly focused on construction activity in the building’s basement. The FIR reportedly states that the structure had four upper floors that were allegedly constructed illegally, while police are also examining repair and construction work underway in the basement before the collapse.
The building’s owner Hariram Gupta, his wife Urmila Gupta and their son Mahesh Gupta were arrested in connection with the case. A court sent Hariram and Urmila to judicial custody, while Mahesh was remanded in police custody for two days.
Chief Minister Gupta visited AIIMS on Tuesday and met injured students and their families. The Delhi government has said it will bear the full cost of treatment and provide assistance to the victims.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has suspended five officials following the collapse. Authorities have also begun examining other buildings in the locality, while concerns over the safety of private PGs and student accommodation have triggered demands for wider structural audits.
The Delhi High Court has also been approached over safety standards for student hostels and PG accommodation, adding to mounting scrutiny of construction practices and civic oversight in the capital.
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