- By Priyanka Koul
- Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:58 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi Saket Building Collapse: Days after a multi-storey commercial building collapsed in South Delhi’s Saket, killing six people and injuring eight others, heartbreaking accounts of bravery and loss have emerged from the tragedy site.
Among the victims was Parvati, lovingly called “Parvati Aunty” by students and office-goers in the area. Known for running the popular “Aunty Wala Kitchen” in Saidulajab, Parvati was more than just a cook for many youngsters living away from home.
Eyewitnesses said Parvati had initially managed to come out safely after signs of the collapse became evident. However, she allegedly went back inside in an attempt to help students trapped under the debris. She never returned. Her body was recovered hours later during rescue operations.
'She Cared For Students'
Parvati operated the canteen on the premises, catering mainly to students attending coaching institutes in the area. According to her daughter Neelam, the canteen had been running for nearly three years and had recently entered its fourth year.
The food joint had become a popular spot for students living in paying guest accommodations and rented rooms nearby. Known not just for her parathas and cold coffee, Parvati was remembered for the care and affection she showed towards students living away from home.
"I asked her to open the canteen, but now I regret it," said Neelam, daughter of Parvati, who lost her life in the building collapse in south Delhi's Saket, alleging that concerns about parts of the structure shedding concrete had been raised earlier.
Speaking to PTI, Neelam said her mother had managed to come out of the building after noticing signs of collapse, but went back inside to help students who were still trapped.
"It was actually my idea that she should open the canteen. Now I regret it," she said.
Neelam also alleged that rescue operations in the initial hours were slow and claimed that family members repeatedly informed authorities about the exact location where Parvati was trapped under the debris.
“She would always think of us. She was humble, calm, and helpful. Minutes before the incident, I had coffee in the kitchen and left. I had barely walked towards my paying guest accommodation when I heard a loud noise. I turned and saw the four-storey building next to the kitchen collapsing,” a young woman recalled.
Hari Prasad Ojha, Parvati’s cousin who worked with her at the kitchen, said they rushed out after hearing unusual sounds from the adjacent building.
“I was preparing cold coffee. The last order was for 12 parathas and four cold coffees; Parvati had asked me to prepare it. We rushed out as soon as we heard sounds from the adjacent building. But Parvati went back inside while talking to someone over the phone,” he said.
Ojha said Parvati and her family originally belonged to Nepal and had been living in Delhi for several years. About a year ago, she started the eatery for students. According to The Indian Express, the kitchen operated out of a single-storey structure with a tin roof.
Aadarsh, a BTech graduate preparing for the GATE examination, said students trusted the quality and hygiene of the food served at the kitchen.
“She did not increase food prices even during the shortage of LPG cylinders,” Aadarsh said.
Another student, Aarav, said parathas and cold coffee were among the most popular items on the menu.
“She always thought about students. Even when cylinders were difficult to procure, she managed to keep the shop running. She never increased prices,” Aarav said.
"For many students preparing for competitive examinations away from home, “Aunty Wala Kitchen” was more than just a food joint. It was a place of comfort and support".
Delhi Saket Building Collapse
Six people were killed and eight others injured after a multi-storey commercial building housing coaching centres, cafes and offices collapsed near Saket Metro Station on the evening of May 30. Rescue and debris clearance operations continued for over 24 hours after the incident.
Five of those injured in the collapse were declared dead at AIIMS, while another succumbed at Safdarjung Hospital, officials said. Five injured persons remain under treatment at AIIMS, while three have been discharged.
An FIR has been registered under relevant sections, including culpable homicide, and teams have been formed to investigate the circumstances leading to the collapse and trace those responsible, officials said.