Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Delhi Police has registered an FIR following the tragic building collapse in South-West Delhi's Satya Niketan, which claimed seven lives and left five others injured. Investigators allege that the owners constructed additional floors onto a 50-year-old structure while fully aware that its foundation lacked the load-bearing capacity to handle the extra weight.
FIR Filed Against Owners
According to the FIR, as assessed by ANI, the incident occurred on Sunday, September 6 around 1 pm, with the police receiving information at around 1:34 pm. The caller informed the police that a building used as a paying guest (PG) accommodation had collapsed with many students trapped inside. The complainant, ASI Praful Toppo, stated that police personnel arrived at the scene to find the entire building completely reduced to rubble, surrounded by a large crowd of local residents.
A preliminary inquiry conducted on the spot revealed that the structure was operating as a ground-plus-four-storey PG housing several students and locals. The collapse left multiple occupants trapped deep beneath the debris, initiating an immediate emergency response. Senior police officers, the district crime team, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) personnel, fire brigade, rescue teams and ambulances were deployed to the spot.
Were The Owners Aware Of Building's Weak Foundation?
According to the FIR, despite clear structural safety risks, illegal expansion and basement renovation works were actively continued, placing additional pressure on the structure. After inquiry from locals, it was found that the building was several years old and that its owners, Hari Bansal and his brother, had constructed four upper floors allegedly for rental income.
Police have clearly stated that the construction was carried out despite the owners being aware that the existing building's foundation could not bear the additional weight. The FIR details, which come amid ongoing probe, have further raised questions about how the construction of additional four floors were permitted knowing the fact that the foundation could not bear the load.
Property owner Hariram, his wife Urmila, and their son Mahesh have already been arrested by the Delhi police in connection with the case. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has ordered safety inspections of PGs and coaching centres across the city.