NEW DELHI — The death toll in a catastrophic 5-storey building collapse in Southwest Delhi’s Satya Niketan area rose to seven on Monday as search and rescue operations entered their second day.
The decades-old building, which was functioning as private paying guest (PG) accommodation near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed around 1:30 PM on Sunday. Rescuers from emergency services have extracted 12 individuals from the rubble, with seven confirmed dead and five others receiving critical care at the AIIMS JPN Apex Trauma Centre.
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Key Updates at a Glance
The structural failure occurred during ongoing excavation and repair work in the basement. Investigators are probing whether this compromised the 50-year-old building's foundation.
Police Action: An FIR has been registered at South Campus police station against the building owner, Hari Ram, on charges including culpable homicide and negligence. A lookout notice has been issued to trace him.
MCD Crackdown: Mayor Pravesh Wahi ordered the immediate sealing of all illegal structures exceeding four storeys, alongside issuing a 3-day demolition notice to adjacent property No. 13.
Political Protests: Around 200 ABVP members protested at the MCD headquarters demanding the commissioner's resignation, resulting in clashes with police after parts of the office were vandalized.
Traffic Advisory: Delhi Traffic Police warned of severe congestion on Benito Juarez Marg, RTR, and the stretch from Safdarjung Hospital towards Dhaula Kuan, urging commuters to clear routes for emergency vehicles.
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Mandatory Structural Audits Announced
Responding to the disaster, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a new policy framework aimed at regulating commercial and public-use properties across the capital.
"The government, in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation, is formulating a policy mandating that any building intended for public use—whether a PG, nursing home, or school—must undergo periodic structural audits and safety certifications," Chief Minister Gupta stated, promising strict action against negligent officials.
The state government has arranged temporary housing in university hostels for evacuated students and confirmed that local authorities are coordinating directly with affected families.
