New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the collapse of a boys’ PG building in South Delhi’s Satya Niketan that left at least five people dead and 11 others injured.
Following an on-site inspection of the tragedy, Gupta directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry into the circumstances leading to the building collapse and ordered that an FIR be registered against the building owner. The Chief Minister said those found responsible would face strict action under the law.
“Those found responsible for this grave incident will be held fully accountable and dealt with under the strictest provisions of law,” Gupta said after reviewing the situation at the spot.
The Chief Minister, along with Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu and Mayor Pravesh Wahi, visited the site and monitored the rescue operations. She also visited AIIMS and met victims receiving treatment, enquiring about their condition and the medical care being provided to them.
According to police, the FIR has been registered at the South Campus police station against alleged owner Hariram and others. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel confirmed the registration of the case.
The building, which was around 40-50 years old, had a basement and five upper floors and was being used as a paying guest accommodation for students, many of whom were studying at Delhi University’s South Campus. Police said the premises had rooms to accommodate around 40 people.
The collapse occurred at around 1.30 p.m. while repair work was reportedly underway in the basement. Officials also indicated that heavy rains may have contributed to the incident.
Rescue operations involved teams from Delhi Police, the National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Service and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority. Eleven people trapped in the debris were rescued using gas cutters and JCB machines.
An AIIMS statement said 10 patients were brought to the JPN Apex Trauma Centre, including four who were declared dead on arrival. One critically injured patient later succumbed to injuries, taking the death toll to five.
CM Rekha Gupta said the government would ensure accountability and that anyone found responsible would face the strictest legal action.
IANS
