On Monday the death toll from the collapse of a student housing building in Satya Niketan rose to seven, prompting the Delhi High Court to express deep concern over the safety of students in paying‑guest (PG) accommodations across the capital. The court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to inspect all PG hostels under its jurisdiction within a week.
Delhi Police arrested 82‑year‑old retired Indian Air Force sergeant Hariram Gupta, his 75‑year‑old wife Urmila Gupta and their 52‑year‑old son Mahesh Gupta. Although the property was registered in Mrs. Gupta’s name, police said the PG was reportedly run by her husband and son. A search is underway for the operators of the PG and the labour contractors who were carrying out repair work in the basement.
Five officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi were suspended after the incident. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government is exploring a policy to govern buildings used for multiple purposes, including PG accommodations.
A bench headed by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia warned that the deaths raised serious concerns about the safety of students in PGs and the acute shortage of hostel facilities for out‑station students in Delhi. The court ordered the MCD to verify that PG buildings had valid permissions, complied with bye‑laws and had no violations, and to hold responsible public servants if the collapsed building was constructed without authorisation. The court also directed Delhi University to provide data on out‑station students, the number and capacity of university and government hostels, and any statutory provisions governing PGs, stressing the need for a regulatory framework.
During the 28‑hour rescue operation, at least 12 people were taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre and three to Safdarjung Hospital. Six bodies were found at AIIMS, one later died from injuries, and three patients were in critical condition, one stable and one discharged. The rescue work was declared complete at 5 p.m. on Monday, with debris removed and mortal remains handed over to families.
