The Satya Niketan building collapse in Delhi, which killed seven people, has raised fresh questions after a report revealed that the property’s PG operator had allegedly been warned about the risks linked to ongoing construction hours before the tragedy.
According to a report cited by Hindustan Times, a labourer involved in the construction had contacted PG operator Sudhanshu, 31, and warned him that the building might not be able to withstand the additional load created by construction work in the basement.
Sudhanshu, who operated the ‘Hostel Daze’ PG chain, allegedly told police during questioning that he had also cautioned the property owner’s son against continuing the renovation. He reportedly warned that the building’s foundation could not safely support the weight of additional floors.
Police are now investigating the construction timeline and trying to determine how the building was modified. Officers are also questioning neighbours to understand how the structure was built and whether the construction was inspected at the relevant stages.
The collapse has also brought earlier safety warnings into focus. Police had reportedly raised concerns about fire and public safety in the Satya Niketan area around three months before the incident.
On June 17, the Station House Officer of the South Campus police station wrote to the sub-divisional magistrate of Mehrauli, flagging public safety concerns in the locality and recommending early action. Satya Niketan, located close to several colleges, has a large student population and is an important hub for private accommodation.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police took three arrested accused for medical examination on Friday before producing them before the Patiala House Court. Five people have been arrested so far in connection with the case.
The Patiala House Court has also denied anticipatory bail to advocate Shubham Tyagi, another PG operator linked to the collapsed property. The court noted that a rent agreement had allegedly been withheld from his bail application and said the investigation was still at an early stage.
According to the prosecution, Tyagi was not merely an investor but a co-lessee and business partner of Sudhanshu. The two allegedly operated PG accommodations under the name “Hotel/Hostel Daze”.
Investigators have alleged that the commercial PG was being operated in a residential or old building without the necessary permissions while construction and alterations were underway in the basement and on the ground floor.
The case has intensified concerns over construction safety, unauthorised alterations and whether earlier warnings were adequately acted upon.
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