Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi: Seven people have died while 12 others have been rescued after a five-storey building collapsed in South-West Delhi’s Satya Niketan on Sunday. The tragic incident has once again raised serious questions over the alleged negligence of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Police in ensuring the safety of buildings in the capital.

The basement of this nearly 40-year-old building was often flooded during rains, weakening its foundation and ultimately leading to its collapse on Sunday afternoon. In a similar incident, six people were killed when a five-story building collapsed in South Delhi’s Saidulajab area on May 30.

Illegal Operation Of PG

Investigation revealed that the five-story building, illegally constructed on 100 yards, collapsed during renovation work in its basement. A PG hostel named Hostel Daze was also operating illegally in the building, housing students from DU's South Campus. Some students are still feared trapped under the debris.

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Search Ops Continue At Collapse Site

Meanwhile, the NDRF, fire brigade, police, and local residents are involved in the relief and rescue operations. Currently, the South Campus police station has registered a case against the building owner, Hariom Bansal, under relevant sections of the IPC. The accused lives in Sector 23, Gurugram, and a search is underway for him.

One Injured Person Was Discharged

According to a police officer, six of the injured brought to the AIIMS Trauma Center have died. One of the deceased has been identified as Yuvraj, a resident of Chhattisgarh's Durg. The other student has been identified as Abhishek. The others have not been identified. One injured person was discharged after first aid.

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Building Was 40 Years Old

A preliminary police investigation revealed that the two-story building was constructed approximately 40 years ago. Later, a basement was added, followed by three more floors. The upper floor was being used as a PG, while the ground floor housed shops that had long been closed.

Investigation Underway

According to police sources, the building owner, Hariom, leased the building last year to Shudhanshu Shukla for operation as a PG named "Hostel Daze". At the time of the accident, renovations were underway in the basement, causing the entire building to collapse. The exact cause of the accident will only be clear after an investigation.