Delhi Police Arrest Family in Satya Niketan Building Collapse Case

New Delhi, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : Authorities in New Delhi have taken significant action following the tragic building collapse in Satya Niketan, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuries to five others. The Delhi Police arrested Hariram Gupta, the owner of the paying guest accommodation, along with his wife, Urmila Gupta, and their son, Mahesh Gupta.

Initial investigations revealed that, contrary to earlier reports, the Gupta family played an active role in the operation of the paying guest facility. Hariram and Mahesh were directly involved in its management, while Urmila was listed as the property owner in official documents.

After the incident, the trio fled their home in Gurugram. They were later apprehended in the Bhiwadi area of Haryana. Police confirmed that the building’s electricity connection was registered under Hariram and Mahesh’s names, further establishing their operational ties to the facility.

Investigators discovered that the basement of the building had flooded last year, prompting ongoing repairs and renovations at the time of the collapse. Authorities are also examining a rental agreement that has circulated on social media, which reportedly contains provisions regarding the owner’s responsibilities. Police are working to determine under what circumstances these conditions were included and will question Mahesh Gupta for further details.

According to the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), the family was managing both the paying guest accommodation and the building in Satya Niketan. Investigators are also looking into whether the family owns or manages any other properties.

The building collapsed on September 6, prompting a joint rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Police, fire department, district administration, and health department. Many individuals were rescued from the debris and taken to hospitals, with three of the injured reported in critical condition.

The police have confirmed that the rescue operation has concluded, and there are no indications of anyone else trapped in the rubble. A comprehensive investigation into negligence and accountability is ongoing. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has already suspended five officials in connection with the incident.