New Delhi: Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the building collapse in Satya Niketan and assured that the Central Government, Delhi Government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi stand firmly with the affected families in their hour of immense grief.
A five-storey structure being used as a paying guest accommodation for students collapsed on Sunday in the congested Satya Niketan area near Delhi University’s South Campus. The 40-50-year-old building, known locally as Hostel Daze, came down while repair work was underway in its basement. Several students were feared trapped under the debris.
Rescue teams from the NDRF, Delhi Fire Service, police and other agencies launched immediate operations. Multiple people have been pulled out and shifted to hospitals, including AIIMS Trauma Centre, while search efforts continued late into the evening.
Malhotra said the immediate priority is to rescue those still trapped under the rubble and ensure they receive prompt medical treatment. “At this moment, our first priority is to rescue those trapped under the debris and take them for medical treatment. Immediately thereafter, an investigation into the accident will be conducted,” he stated.
He noted that the structure was an occupied building and stressed the need to establish the exact cause of the collapse. “This was an occupied building, and it is essential to understand the exact cause of the accident,” Malhotra said.
Assuring accountability, the Delhi BJP chief made it clear that any negligence would not be tolerated. “If any department is found guilty or negligent in the investigation into the accident, strict action will be taken against every officer and engineer involved,” he declared.
Malhotra’s remarks came as senior officials and political leaders visited the site and hospitals to oversee the rescue and relief efforts.
An FIR (first information report) has been registered, and the building owner is under scrutiny.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of older buildings converted into student hostels in densely populated areas of the capital.
IANS
