NEW DELHI – Police have arrested Sudhanshu, the operator of the five-story hostel building in South Delhi's Satya Niketan that collapsed on Sunday, on charges related to the incident. Investigations reveal Sudhanshu managed approximately seven facilities in the area under the banner of "Hostel Daze" and had leased the collapsed property for ₹1 lakh per month since August of last year.
The tragic collapse, which occurred around 1 PM, prompted a swift police response and a comprehensive probe into the building's structural integrity and ongoing work. Authorities arrested contractor Sanoj from Uttar Pradesh’s Kasganj on Tuesday, alleging he conducted repair and construction despite knowing the building was structurally unsound.
Owners Also Arrested in Collapse Probe
The building's owners, 81-year-old Hariram Gupta, his 75-year-old wife Urmila Gupta, and their 52-year-old son Mahesh Gupta, were arrested on Monday. Mahesh Gupta, who remains in police custody, reportedly supervised the building's maintenance for his parents. He informed investigators that repair work was underway in the basement to address waterlogging and seepage following monsoon rains, while an extension was being built on the commercially used ground floor.
Police stated, "Repair work was underway in the basement even on the day of the collapse to address waterlogging and seepage, while a shop on the ground floor was being extended."
A preliminary inquiry cited in the First Information Report (FIR) indicates that additional floors had allegedly been constructed without proper authorization, and further construction was ongoing. The FIR also alleges that Hariram Gupta was aware the foundation could not safely bear the additional weight but proceeded with the work to generate income, disregarding the potential risk to occupants.
Charges Include Culpable Homicide
The FIR includes serious charges such as culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligent conduct during construction or repair of buildings, and acts endangering life or personal safety. The collapsed PG facility had eight rooms with 16 beds spread across four floors, catering primarily to students.
Following the collapse, Mahesh Gupta reportedly told police that his family learned of the incident from local residents before leaving their home for his in-laws’ residence in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. The incident has highlighted concerns regarding the regulation and safety standards of numerous paying guest accommodations operating in dense urban areas like Delhi.