The probe into the Satya Niketan building collapse, which claimed seven lives, has been widening since the tragedy unfolded. Police are probing construction and repair work carried out at the five-storey paying guest (PG) accommodation before the structure came crashing down.
In a striking development, a labour contractor identified as Sanoj fell into the police dragnet from Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh and was being brought to Delhi for questioning, according to police.
Building adjoining the Hostel Daze PG being razed
The investigating police personnel are examining his alleged role in construction and repair work at the building housing the Hostel Daze PG.
The development surfaced a day after a court in Delhi sent the facility’s owner and former IAF sergeant Hariram Gupta and his wife, Urmila, to 14 days of judicial custody. Meanwhile, the police secured his son Mahesh’s custody for 2 days. As per police’s claims, Mahesh told the cops that he was responsible for looking after the building’s maintenance on behalf of his parents.
Repairs, additional construction being probed
Police are examining repair work that was reportedly underway in the basement and on the ground floor shortly before the building crashed. They alleged that additional construction had placed extra pressure on the 50-year-old structure and that the owners were aware that its foundation could not endure the additional load.
Moreover, the PG’s rent agreement has also fallen under scrutiny. Sources said the documents contained clauses stating that the operators would not be responsible for ‘casualties or risk’ to tenants under certain circumstances.
In a parallel development, PG operator Sudhanshu has also been arrested after the building’s collapse, and the case is being examined further.
Delhi CM orders action against illegal structures
Amid growing outrage over the tragic incident, Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Rekha Gupta has directed officials to bulldoze illegal structures across the national capital. Gupta directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive inspection of PG accommodations in Delhi and subject unauthorised construction to action. She also directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to scrutinise building records and establish when and under whose jurisdiction the illegal construction had taken place.
‘Uninhabitable’ building demolished
The MCD is continuing with the demolition of a building adjoining the collapsed Hostel Daze boys’ PG after deeming it ‘dangerous and uninhabitable.’
At the site, workers were seen using hammers and light drilling equipment to break the terrace boundary walls as part of the demolition operation. Moreover, the civic body has also served notices on five other buildings in the area as part of its post-collapse inspection.
CM meets injured, announces aid
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta meeting kin of the injured
CM Gupta visited the AIIMS Trauma Centre on Tuesday and called upon the kin of students affected by the collapse. She announced a solatium of Rs 5 lakh each for the ones injured in the incident.