Six dead in five-storey building collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan area

A five-storey building collapsed in Satya Niketan area of Delhi on Sunday, leaving six people dead with rescue operations continuing at the site. Emergency response teams are working to clear the heavy debris and look for any remaining trapped persons.

The latest building collapse in the national capital has triggered questions over the safety of buildings being used as paying guest accommodations and the enforcement of construction and fire safety norms in densely populated parts of the city. Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) ordered immediate sealing of all illegal constructions with more than four floors.

Speaking about Delhi's Satya Niketan building collapse, NSUI President Vinod Jakhar said that the situation is extremely grave.

"Rescue operations are ongoing, and conditions are dire. Almost all the students being pulled out are dead. We tried our best to get those students out; we actually succeeded in rescuing about three of them. Had the medical facilities, medical teams, police, and fire brigade arrived on time-had all necessary resources and responsible officials been present promptly-perhaps more students could have been saved. But the BJP has no disaster management plan. Just look at how the country's Home Minister inaugurates a grand BJP office in Goa today, while here, a building collapses. BJP offices never collapse because they are built using money extorted from PG and coaching centre operators. Our only demand is justice for the students. Several of our colleagues have also sustained serious injuries. There is absolutely no accountability," he told ANI.

The MCD, in its latest order on illegal constructions, warned that strict action will be taken against officials found responsible for allowing such structures to be built.

"The culprits of the Satya Niketan building incident in Delhi will not be spared under any circumstances. All illegal constructions with more than four floors will be immediately sealed, and strict action will be taken against the guilty officials, leading to their immediate dismissal. These orders will be implemented with immediate effect," Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi wrote on X.

The Mayor clarified that structures not meeting the specified criteria will be sealed without delay. The civic body has also enhanced crackdown on corrupt officials, stating that those found guilty in connection with such constructions will face stringent action.

The Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the collapse of the building in Satya Niketan, directing FIR registration against the building owner.

The decision was taken following an on-site review and a preliminary assessment of the incident, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. The CM said those found responsible for the "grave incident" would be held fully accountable and dealt with under the strictest provisions of law.

Delhi Police has registered an FIR under BNS at PS South Campus against the alleged owner Hariram and others. "It is alleged that renovation work was being undertaken on the Ground Floor, which led to the collapse of the building. Multiple teams have been formed to trace the alleged persons," the authority said.

According to Atul Garg, former Director of the Delhi Fire Services, the building that collapsed was originally a ground-plus-one structure but was later converted into a three- or four-floor building and several buildings in Delhi that were originally constructed for residential purposes were being used commercially.

"As you saw, a building collapsed in Saket, there was a fire in Malviya Nagar, and there was a fire in Palam. These are all buildings that were built for residential purposes but are being used commercially. There are many buildings in Satya Niketan that are very old. This building was originally ground-plus-one, and later it was made into three or four floors," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the building collapse incident in Delhi, terming the incident as "distressing."

"The collapse of a building at Satya Niketan, Delhi is distressing. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones," he said in a post on X.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured citizens and said authorities are working at the site and assisting those affected in the mishap.