New Delhi, September 07 (H.S.): The Congress on Monday condemned what it described as the Central government’s approach to the tragedy in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, expressing grief over the deaths of students and demanding a thorough investigation, accountability and strict action against those responsible.

Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters, Kanhaiya Kumar, who is in charge of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), said nearly 24 hours had passed since the incident, but the debris had still not been completely cleared.

Kumar alleged that the police and administration at the site were not only engaged in relief and rescue operations but were also attempting to conceal the truth about the incident.

NSUI president Vinod Jakhar claimed that the incident occurred at around 1:30 p.m., but there were allegedly no police personnel, medical team or rescue team present at the spot at the time. According to him, only one ambulance was available.

Jakhar said NSUI workers reached the site soon after learning about the incident and provided all possible assistance to the affected students. He claimed that several students were trapped beneath the debris and were crying out for help.

He further alleged that students are being forced to stay in private paying guest (PG) accommodations where prescribed safety norms are not properly followed.

The NSUI also questioned why adequate hostel facilities have not been created for students near Delhi University, why not a single hostel has been constructed for the university over the past 10 years, and why university land being leased for wedding functions has not instead been utilised to construct hostels for students.

The student organisation demanded the construction of more hostels within Delhi University, closure of illegally operated hostels and PG accommodations, and the introduction of a Rent Control Act specifically covering hostels and PG facilities.

The NSUI also called upon Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to take responsibility for the incident and ensure action against those found responsible.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar