NEW DELHI – The recent collapse of a five-story paying guest (PG) accommodation in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University's South Campus, has prompted the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) to issue a series of urgent demands. The incident, which occurred on Sunday during repair work and claimed seven lives, has intensified scrutiny on the safety of student housing in the national capital.
CJP Calls for Independent Probe and Compensation
During a press conference in Delhi on Monday, Saurav Das, co-convener of the CJP, laid out seven key demands. He emphasized that any investigation should extend beyond the collapsed building's owner to encompass a broader examination of the alleged 'PG mafia' and its connections with politicians. The party is also seeking immediate financial relief for the victims.
The incident highlights persistent concerns about illegal construction, lax enforcement of safety norms, and the unregulated nature of private student accommodation in educational hubs like Delhi.
Seven Key Demands from the CJP
The CJP's demands are comprehensive, aiming for both immediate relief and long-term systemic changes:
- Independent Criminal Investigation: A thorough probe into the nexus between building owners, politicians, and the 'PG mafia,' ensuring accountability for illegal construction and weak enforcement.
- Time-Bound Structural Audits: Engineering-grade structural audits for all schools, colleges, and student accommodations nationwide, particularly in high-density student areas. This includes rehabilitation for displaced students, sealing of illegal structures, and penalties for owners.
- Publication of Records: Within 48 hours, all records from the 13 district committees formed after the Hauz Rani incident must be publicly released, including inspection reports and any surveys conducted in Satya Niketan.
- Publicly Searchable Database: Creation of a transparent online database where students can verify the structural and safety certifications of all student accommodations.
- Increased Government Hostels: Construction of additional government-operated hostels for Delhi University and other students, addressing the significant shortfall in existing capacity.
- Financial Compensation: Immediate compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each person killed and ₹20 lakh for those critically injured in the collapse.
- Ministerial Accountability: Direct accountability from Delhi Urban Development, Planning, and Education Minister Ashish Sood, demanding an explanation for the winding down of the 13 district committees' work under his administration.
Recalling Past Tragedies and Failures
CJP leader Saurav Das stated, "Our first demand is that there should be an independent criminal investigation not only of the owner, but also of the nexus between the owners and the politicians sitting in the government." He stressed the responsibility to provide a safe environment for the nation's youth.
The party drew parallels to the June 2026 Hauz Rani fire, which killed 23 people in a five-story bed-and-breakfast. The CJP argues that inadequate follow-up and enforcement after that tragedy contributed to the current disaster. They demand stringent punishment for those responsible, beyond mere suspensions of officials.
Following the Satya Niketan collapse, authorities have ordered the immediate sealing of illegal five-story buildings and intensified inspections of nearby paying-guest accommodations, with the building owner and his wife already in judicial custody, and five MCD officials suspended.