NEW DELHI, September 07 (H.S.): The death toll in the Satya Niketan paying guest (PG) building collapse in Delhi has risen to six. The building, identified as P-14, has been undergoing extensive rescue operations, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other agencies engaged in clearing the debris. Ten people have so far been safely rescued from the rubble.

The incident has raised serious questions over the safety of buildings being used as paying guest accommodations and compliance with construction and fire safety regulations in densely populated areas of the national capital. The P-14 building is reportedly believed to have been constructed in the 1990s. The rescue operation remains underway as teams continue searching for other people who may still be trapped beneath the debris.

The Delhi government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. Police have registered a case against the alleged owner, Hari Ram, and others. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the residential colony of Satya Niketan, in front of Sri Venkateswara College on the South Campus.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu visited the site and took stock of the situation. Expressing deep concern over the incident, he directed the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and all other concerned agencies to carry out relief and rescue operations swiftly and in close coordination.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also reached the site and monitored the rescue operation. She directed the authorities to take strict action against those found responsible for the incident. Minister Kapil Mishra, Mayor Pravesh Wahi, MP Bansuri Swaraj and MLA Anil Sharma accompanied the Chief Minister to the accident site.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda spoke to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta over the phone to take stock of the situation. He assured the Delhi government of all necessary assistance from the Union Health Ministry. He also directed the directors of AIIMS New Delhi and Delhi’s central government hospitals to ensure that every possible medical assistance is provided to the injured.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar