The Delhi High Court said during Wednesday’s hearing that the hostel building collapse in Satya Niketan was not an ordinary accident. A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia said four students had come to Delhi from small towns with hopes of building their careers. The “negligent and criminal conduct” of some people shattered their dreams.
The five-storey building was a paying guest hostel for boys near Delhi University’s South Campus in Satya Niketan. The building collapsed on September 6 while repair work was underway. Seven people died after being trapped under the debris. Several others were injured.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma said the authorities have taken several steps following the incident. These include building a hostel for students.
Two pictures of Satya Niketan after the debris was cleared…
Questions also raised over lack of hostels in Delhi
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma said authorities have taken several steps after the incident. These include identifying land and other facilities for students and keeping them separately.
The bench said, “The shortage of hostels is not a new problem. Who does not know about it? Students are coming to Delhi for studies. Look what has happened.”
PIL seeks independent probe and compensation
The court was hearing a PIL seeking an independent probe into the Satya Niketan incident. The PIL was filed by Akarsh Daanveer Rathi. The petition also seeks inspection of all paying guest accommodations.
It also seeks compensation and a rehabilitation scheme for the victims and their families. The bench said the PIL will be heard along with another petition on September 25.
On September 7, court said government cannot escape responsibility
The High Court on September 7 ordered a high-level MCD probe into the incident. The court had made it clear that the government cannot escape its responsibility. It said the incident was not merely unfortunate but also raised serious concerns over adequate housing facilities for students, including hostels.
The court had also expressed concern over the condition of hostels run by Delhi University and the government. It also questioned the inadequate steps taken by the MCD and other authorities to regulate student safety and paying guest facilities.
PG owner, operator and labour contractor among those arrested
Delhi Police has arrested building owner Hariram Bansal, his wife Urmila, his son Mahesh, labour contractor Sanoj and a man named Sudhanshu in connection with the PG incident.
Contractor said renovation work began 10 days before the incident
During questioning, contractor Sanoj said Mahesh Gupta hired him for renovation work 10 days before the incident. He was paid ₹2,800 per day. The work involved levelling the basement with the ground floor, for which around three truckloads of debris had been filled in the basement.
On the ground floor, a wall in the shop area was creating an obstruction. On the day of the incident, the wall was removed to create more space. As soon as the wall was removed, the weakened building could not bear the load and collapsed.
