New Delhi: Delhi Police have made a fifth arrest in connection with the Satya Niketan building collapse that claimed seven lives, taking into custody Sudhanshu, who had taken the building on lease and was operating it as a paying guest (PG) accommodation.
Police are questioning Sudhanshu to determine the terms and conditions under which he leased the building and whether he was aware of its reportedly dilapidated condition. Investigators are also examining how a PG for students was being operated in the building despite concerns over its structural condition.
The building in South Delhi’s Satya Niketan area collapsed suddenly on Sunday afternoon. It was being used as accommodation for students. Rescue teams pulled 12 people from the debris following the collapse. Seven people died in the incident, while five others sustained injuries.
PG Operator Under Police Questioning
A senior police officer said on Wednesday that Sudhanshu had been arrested and was being questioned about the condition of the building before the accident, the lease agreement and the circumstances under which the PG was being run.
Investigators are particularly looking into whether the PG operator had knowledge of any structural deficiencies and whether adequate safety measures were in place for the students staying there.
Police are also examining the role of other individuals involved in the ownership, maintenance and construction work carried out at the premises.
Five Arrests So Far
Before Sudhanshu’s arrest, police had arrested the building’s owners and a contractor associated with construction work in the basement.
Those arrested include 75-year-old building owner Urmila Gupta, her 81-year-old husband Hariram Gupta, a retired Air Force personnel, and their 52-year-old son Mahesh Gupta.
Contractor Sonaz, who was allegedly carrying out repair or construction-related work in the building’s basement, was subsequently apprehended from Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh.
With Sudhanshu’s arrest, the total number of people arrested in the case has now reached five.
Delhi Government Intensifies Action After Collapse
The building collapse has prompted the Delhi government to intensify its crackdown on PG accommodations and unsafe buildings across the capital.
The government has initiated action against buildings considered vulnerable in the Satya Niketan area. Demolition proceedings have also begun against the building adjacent to the structure that collapsed.
At the same time, a citywide survey of PG accommodations is being conducted to assess the condition and safety of buildings being used to house students and other residents. Municipal teams have been inspecting PG properties across Delhi as part of the exercise.
Following directions from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, five Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials have also been suspended in connection with the incident. The government has further ordered strict action, including demolition, against unauthorised and unsafe structures.
The investigation into the Satya Niketan collapse is continuing, with police examining the roles and responsibilities of the building owners, contractor and PG operator to establish whether negligence or violations contributed to the tragedy.
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