A day after seven people were killed when a multi-storey paying guest (PG) accommodation collapsed in Satya Niketan, the Delhi High Court on Monday ordered a one-week audit of PGs and hostels across the city and sought details from the Delhi University (DU) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on the regulatory framework governing such accommodations.
The court said responsibility for the tragedy could not rest solely with building owners, observing that the MCD and DU also had a role to play.
It noted that students from outside Delhi were often forced to depend on private PG accommodation because of inadequate hostel facilities provided by the university.
A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the incident, directed the MCD to conduct an audit of PGs and hostels across the city within one week.
The court directed DU to submit details of outstation students and available hostel facilities. It also sought information from the MCD on whether a regulatory framework exists for PG accommodation, besides details of valid building permissions and any lapses by the authorities.
The bench observed that some PG owners recklessly undertake unauthorised construction, with buildings permitted for two floors sometimes being extended to six floors without strengthening the foundation.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre, the Delhi government, the Delhi Police and the MCD, told the court that all possible steps were being taken to rescue those trapped under the debris.
“Government is actively monitoring the situation and some time is needed. All possible steps are being taken and rescue operations are underway. The authorities will take all decisions in the interest of everyone concerned and no stone will be left unturned,” Mehta told the court.
The court directed the authorities to file separate replies within 10 days and listed the matter for September 25.
Owner held in Rajasthan
Meanwhile, the alleged owner of the collapsed PG, 81-year-old retired Indian Air Force Sergeant Hariram Gupta, was arrested in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, on Monday.
Gupta's wife Urmila and their son Mahesh has also been arrested in connection with the case.
Gupta was apprehended by Delhi Police teams deployed to trace him after a case was registered against him for culpable homicide, negligence in maintaining the structure and endangering the safety of others. A lookout notice had also been issued against him.
The police had formed 10 teams comprising personnel from the local district police, Special Staff and other operational units. Each team was headed by an Additional DCP-rank officer.
Gupta, a long-time resident of Gurugram, allegedly owned several properties and a hardware shop. Police said the collapsed property was registered in the name of his wife, Urmila Gupta, while Gupta and their 52-year-old son, Mahesh Gupta, were managing and running the premises.
Police said Gupta had electricity connections for two floors of the building in his name. His son runs a hardware and paint shop and has two children.
Police are also searching for the PG operators and the labour contractor. Their roles in the construction and operation of the premises will be examined, and further action will be taken accordingly.
Five MCD officials suspended
Meanwhile, the MCD suspended five officials of its South Zone, including Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar and four officials from the building department , Superintending Engineer Ranvir Singh, Executive Engineer Lalit Kumar Goel, Assistant Engineer Sunil Chauhan and Junior Engineer Ashish Kumar.
The officials were suspended with immediate effect, with disciplinary proceedings pending against four of them.
Rescue operation ends
By late evening, the rescue operation had been completed and the debris removed from the site. Twelve people were rescued, while seven died.
