The Delhi Police has stated that six individuals arrested in connection with the Satya Niketan building collapse failed to implement necessary safety precautions during various construction and alteration activities. This oversight allegedly created conditions that posed a threat to human life, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. The details were outlined in a status report presented to the Delhi High Court, highlighting the factors leading to the tragic incident.

The report indicates that the collapse, which occurred on September 6 while repair work was ongoing, was attributed to an excessive structural load or deterioration of the existing structure. Tragically, the incident resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, five of whom were students, alongside several others who suffered injuries.

In a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by law student Aniket Kumar Gupta, urgent medical attention, rehabilitation for affected students, and Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of the deceased have been requested. The case is scheduled for a hearing on Friday before Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, as the court addresses the implications surrounding the collapse.

Investigation Findings and Accused Individuals

The police report, which consists of eight pages and was filed on September 21, asserts that the arrested individuals vacated the site following the collapse rather than fulfilling their obligations to assist in the immediate aftermath. It emphasises that their actions, along with their individual responsibilities, are under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation.

According to the findings, there was a lack of official permission for construction and alterations made to the building, including additional works in the basement and upper floors. It is alleged that these modifications compromised the building’s load-bearing capacity, significantly increasing the stress on its structure. The police have identified Urmila Gupta and her husband Hari Ram Gupta, along with their son Mahesh Gupta, as the owners of the property, all of whom face charges related to the case.

The report further reveals that the proprietors did not acquire necessary land-use conversion permissions, nor did they engage a qualified structural engineer for the ongoing construction and repair work. This lapse in adhering to regulatory guidelines contributed to unsafe conditions within the premises, raising serious safety concerns.

Legal Proceedings and Community Response

In addition to the Guptas, police have arrested Shubham Tyagi and Sudhanshu Lovenish Kumar, who were operating a boys’ paying-guest facility named Hostel Daze within the building, as well as Sanoj, the contractor involved in the repair works. The report highlights that unqualified labourers were employed, and neither the owners nor the contractor sought expert advice prior to initiating the renovations.

The actions taken by Tyagi and Kumar are also under scrutiny, as they allegedly failed to ensure the structural safety of the building prior to leasing it out and did not adequately inform residents about potential hazards linked to the ongoing construction activities. These oversights have raised questions about the broader responsibilities of those managing such housing facilities.

Subsequent to the incident, the Delhi High Court ordered a high-level inquiry by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding the collapse, stating that government authorities also bear responsibility in this case. Concerns were raised about the overall adequacy of housing facilities for students and the regulatory measures in place for managing paying-guest accommodations within the city.

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