Satya Niketan building collapse: Death toll rises to 6, 11 rescued

The death toll in the Satya Niketan building collapse in Delhi has risen to six, with one more body recovered during late-night operations on Sunday (September 6). Eleven people have been rescued so far.

Rescue teams are continuing to clear debris and search for people trapped at the site, reported ANI. Officials said around 15-20 people may still be trapped under the debris. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other agencies are involved in the rescue operation.

Rescue teams search for survivors

Two NDRF teams comprising 70 personnel and a canine squad have been deployed. Oxygen cylinders were sent beneath the rubble for those trapped. Local residents also joined the search, using their bare hands and available tools. Images emerged of students buried under the debris using their phones to call for help.

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The AIIMS trauma centre received 10 injured people. "Four were brought dead, while one patient who was in critical condition later succumbed to his injuries. Three patients have been admitted and are being treated. One patient underwent a surgery of limb, and another who had sustained a minor injury was discharged after observation," AIIMS said.

Police book owner, others

Police booked building owner Hariram and others at South Campus Police Station for culpable homicide, negligence in upkeep of a structure, and endangering the safety of others.

"The building was a PG. It is alleged that renovation work was being undertaken on the Ground Floor, which led to the collapse of the building. Multiple teams have been formed to trace the alleged persons," the police said.

Renovation work linked to collapse

The building collapsed around 1.30 pm while repair work was underway on the ground floor. Locals claimed water had collected in the basement after days of rain and weakened the foundation.

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The nearly 30-year-old, five-storey G+4 building housed a boys' hostel and was built on 55 square yards in a resettlement colony where permission was originally granted only for a G+1 unit, a senior MCD official said. The MCD evacuated tenants from an adjoining women's PG and sealed it.

Shah, CM respond to collapse

Union Home Minister Amit Shah cancelled his Goa visit and returned to Delhi. He spoke with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the police commissioner and the NDRF director general.

"The local administration and the NDRF are conducting intensive rescue operations in close coordination. The injured are being provided with all necessary medical assistance. Praying for the speedy recovery of all those injured," he said.

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Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry and visited the site and AIIMS. Her office said the government was assisting affected families.

Around 150-200 ABVP students later protested at the Civic Centre. Police said around 15 students were detained after some protesters tried to enter the building.

CJP seeks PG hostel safety audit

Meanwhile, The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Sunday (September 6) demanded accountability and a safety audit of all paying guest (PG) hostels in Delhi after a five-storey hostel building collapsed in the city's Satya Niketan area, leaving five dead and several trapped.

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CJP founder and convenor Abhijeet Dipke criticised the government's priorities over educational infrastructure, saying students were being forced to live and study in unsafe conditions even as political establishments received attention and resources.

A CJP team led by its organisation co-in-charge and north zone lead Deepak Baliyan and national joint secretary Balakrishna Shukla reached the collapse site near Delhi University's South Campus and joined residents and emergency personnel in the rescue efforts. (With agency inputs)