New Delhi, September 8: Workers were carrying out construction and renovation work in the basement of a five-storey building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan shortly before it collapsed, killing seven people, Delhi Police said on Tuesday. Investigators are now examining whether the ongoing work weakened the structure and contributed to the tragedy.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhimanyu Poswal said the information came from both the investigation and the statement of an injured labourer who was present at the site. According to police, Hariram Gupta, who managed the paying guest accommodation, admitted that renovation work was being carried out in the basement before the collapse. The injured worker also confirmed that construction activity was underway.
The building, located in the South Campus area, collapsed on September 6. It was being used as a boys’ paying guest accommodation and housed several students. Rescue teams pulled 12 people from the debris, but seven people lost their lives in the incident.
Police have arrested three members of the Gupta family in connection with the case. They are Hariram Gupta, his wife Urmila Gupta, who police later identified as the legal owner of the property, and their son Mahesh Gupta, who was involved in running the PG. Hariram was arrested in Bhiwadi, while the other arrests followed the investigation into the ownership and management of the property.
The investigation is also looking into the building’s structural condition and possible unauthorised construction. Reports have raised questions about additional floors and renovation work carried out on the ageing structure. Police and other authorities are examining whether alterations to the building placed additional stress on its foundation and structure.
The incident has prompted wider concerns over the safety of PG accommodations and student housing in Delhi. The Delhi government has announced intensified inspections of PGs and coaching centres, along with structural safety checks. Officials are also considering measures to improve emergency response and expand safe accommodation options for students.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the collapse. The basement construction, the age and condition of the building, and possible violations of construction norms are among the key aspects being examined.
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