Tragedy in Delhi: Seven Dead After Building Collapse, Journalist Summoned in Defamation Case

In a tragic incident in the Satya Niketan area of Delhi, the death toll from the recent building collapse has risen to seven. Ongoing rescue operations are striving to locate survivors beneath the rubble, with estimates suggesting that between 30 to 35 people, primarily students, remain trapped. The five-storey structure, which served as paying guest accommodation, crumbled unexpectedly on Sunday afternoon, prompting an immediate response from local authorities.

The police reported that the building was aged between 40 to 50 years, and renovation work was taking place in the basement at the time of the disaster. As the search efforts continue, eleven individuals have already been rescued. The owner of the collapsed building has been apprehended in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, where he was located shortly after the incident. Authorities have filed charges against him for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence. In a related development, five municipal officials have faced suspension as investigations into the building’s structural integrity are underway.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has summoned journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, along with Doordarshan News, amidst a defamation suit filed by civil services aspirant Vikram Sherawat. Sherawat, who participated in youth protests at Jantar Mantar in July, claims that during a broadcast on July 27, Chaudhary labeled him as ‘anti-national.’ He alleges that Chaudhary accused him of advocating for the destruction of Parliament and inciting a situation akin to that of Nepal in India.

Seeking compensation of ₹5 crore, Sherawat’s lawsuit highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding media narratives and political activism in India. The case has sparked debates about freedom of the press and the accountability of journalists in a politically charged environment.

This tragic building collapse and the ongoing legal developments involving media personalities indicate a pressing need for a thorough review of urban infrastructure safety standards and responsible journalism. As authorities continue their search for missing individuals, the community remains on high alert, hoping for the safe return of those still trapped beneath the debris.

Source: scroll.in