New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has demanded accountability from the Delhi government following the collapse of a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Satya Niketan that left seven people dead and several others injured. CJP co-convener and spokesperson Saurav Das presented a seven-point charter of demands, calling for stronger action to ensure the safety of students living in rented accommodations.
The party has called for an independent criminal investigation into the collapse, saying the probe should not be limited to the property owner. Das demanded that investigators examine the alleged nexus between property owners, politicians and others involved in what the party described as the wider “PG Mafia”.
The second demand calls for time-bound structural audits of buildings, particularly schools, colleges and student accommodations. CJP also sought rehabilitation of students displaced by unsafe buildings and action against illegal constructions.
The party further demanded that records of the 13 district committees formed after the June 3 Hauz Rani incident be made public, including details of inspections and enforcement action. CJP wants these records released within 48 hours, with the aim of determining whether authorities had inspected vulnerable properties such as the Satya Niketan building.
Another key proposal is a public, searchable database of student accommodations. According to the party, students and their families should be able to check whether a PG or other accommodation has the necessary approvals and has been declared structurally safe.
CJP also highlighted Delhi's shortage of affordable student housing and demanded the construction of more government hostels for Delhi University and other students. The party pointed out that only a small proportion of Delhi University's large student population currently has access to hostel accommodation.
On compensation, the party has demanded ₹1 crore for the families of those who died in the collapse and ₹20 lakh for those injured. It also called for the government to fix ministerial responsibility for lapses in enforcing safety measures.
The seventh demand specifically seeks accountability from Delhi Urban Development, Planning and Education Minister Ashish Sood, including an explanation of why the work of the district committees was allegedly wound down.
The demands come as authorities have begun taking further action after the tragedy. The Delhi government has ordered the sealing of unauthorised fifth floors, while the Lieutenant Governor has directed a structural audit of PG hubs within a week. The property owner Hariram Gupta and his wife were sent to judicial custody, while their son was remanded to police custody.
CJP said the Satya Niketan incident should serve as a warning about the risks faced by students living in poorly regulated accommodations and urged authorities to move beyond post-disaster action towards regular inspections and preventive enforcement.
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