CCTV footage from the site of the building collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan has emerged as the death toll in the incident rose to six. The footage provides visuals from the collapse site as rescue and search operations continue in South-West Delhi.
One more body was recovered during late-night operations, taking the death toll in the incident to six. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other agencies were continuing to clear the heavy debris and search for any remaining trapped persons.
The collapse occurred in Satya Niketan on Sunday, with the Delhi Fire Department receiving an alert about the incident at around 1.30 pm, according to police.
Emergency personnel and rescue teams were subsequently mobilised to the location to carry out search and rescue operations.
Police had earlier said that 10 people had been rescued.
An FIR was also registered against alleged owner Hariram and others in connection with the incident.
The incident has raised concerns over construction and fire safety norms in densely populated parts of the national capital, particularly in areas where students and other residents stay in PG accommodations.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) responded by ordering that all illegal constructions with more than four floors be immediately sealed.
Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi said strict action would be taken against officials found responsible for allowing such structures to be built.
“The culprits of the Satya Niketan building incident in Delhi will not be spared under any circumstances. All illegal constructions with more than four floors will be immediately sealed, and strict action will be taken against the guilty officials, leading to their immediate dismissal. These orders will be implemented with immediate effect," Wahi wrote on X.
The MCD said structures meeting the specified criteria would be sealed without delay, and officials found guilty in connection with such constructions would face stringent action
Former Delhi Chief Secretary Omesh Saigal said the Satya Niketan incident should not be viewed as an isolated case.
He raised concerns over unauthorised construction in parts of Delhi, alleging that some buildings have unapproved blueprints, additional floors added later or substandard construction.
He also called for restrictions on new construction in areas that are already overcrowded and over-built.
The collapse has also prompted political reactions, with concerns being raised over the safety of students living in PG accommodations.
Congress leader and AICC Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja questioned the BJP government over the safety of students who come to Delhi with hopes of building their future.
“What is the BJP government doing? They have forgotten what happened at the coaching centre. A mafia is operating in Delhi. These children are sent away with so many hopes. They are the only support for their parents. Who is responsible for their safety?" Selja said.
NSUI President Vinod Jakhar described the situation as extremely grave and said rescue operations were continuing under difficult circumstances.
He claimed that several students pulled out during the operation were dead and said his colleagues had also sustained serious injuries.
“Rescue operations are ongoing, and conditions are dire. Almost all the students being pulled out are dead. We tried our best to get those students out; we actually succeeded in rescuing about three of them," Jakhar told ANI.
Jakhar also alleged that medical teams, police and fire brigade personnel should have reached the site promptly and questioned the response to the incident.
Meanwhile, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha president Rajat Choudhary said the situation remained serious and appealed for speedy rescue efforts.
Choudhary said ambulances and doctors were present in large numbers and urged the Delhi and Central governments to ensure that those trapped were rescued quickly.
