Owner of Saket Building Collapse Arrested After Tragic Incident Claims Six Lives

The owner of a multi-storey commercial building in Delhi’s Saket area has been arrested following a catastrophic collapse that resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including five students. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, also left eight others injured, sparking widespread concern over safety regulations and construction practices in the region.

According to reports, the building, located in the Saidulajab locality, was home to various establishments including coaching centers and cafes. At the time of the collapse, construction work was reportedly being carried out on the upper floors of the structure. Many of the victims were medical and engineering students who were dining at a makeshift canteen situated nearby when debris fell from the collapsing building.

The arrested individual, identified as 71-year-old Karambir Sejwal, was apprehended on Monday after police tracked him down to his farmhouse in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. He had been evading authorities since the incident, which raised numerous questions about building safety. Officials stated that Sejwal owns several rental properties in the Saidulajab area, and local regulations permit only ground plus three storeys in this zone. However, the building in question had two additional floors under construction for nearly three months.

In light of the tragic event, the police are intensifying their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the building’s collapse. They are actively searching for the builder and contractor involved in the construction work, which was allegedly contracted out, and have launched raids across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the National Capital Region. Authorities are examining whether the structure was originally designed to accommodate the additional floors that were being constructed in violation of local building codes.

This incident has ignited a larger conversation about the enforcement of construction laws and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. The community is grieving the loss of young lives, and officials are under pressure to ensure accountability and justice for the victims and their families. As investigations continue, many are calling for reforms to enhance building safety standards across the region, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations that protect inhabitants and those nearby.

Source: scroll.in