Big action in Delhi: MCD suspends five officials in Satya Niketan building collapse case as death toll climbs to 7

PTC News Desk: In a major action in PG building collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) suspended five officials from its South Zone. 

The officials, suspended with immediate effect pending disciplinary proceedings, include South Zone Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineer (Building), Assistant Engineer (Building), and Junior Engineer (Building).

“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,” an MCD notice issued on Monday said.

The action follows persistent rescue operation at the collapsed building site in Satya Niketan with several, largely student, feared to be still trapped under the rubble. 

Earlier, the Delhi Police issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) against owner of the building Hari Ram, who is currently absconding. Police teams are conducting searches at multiple locations to trace and apprehend him, official sources said.

The building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, housed a boys’ paying guest (PG) accommodation. It collapsed around 1.30 pm on Sunday while repair work was reportedly underway.

So far, 11 people have been rescued, while rescue teams continued searching for others who may still be trapped. Ten injured people were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre.

A senior MCD official said the building stood on a 55-square-yard plot in a resettlement colony. It was a ground-plus-four (G 4) structure, even though permission had originally been given only for a ground-plus-one (G 1) building.

Police have registered an FIR against the building owner, Hariram, and others. The charges include culpable homicide, negligence in maintaining the building and endangering public safety.