Owner of Collapsed Delhi PG Accommodation Arrested Amid Ongoing Investigations

In a tragic incident that shook the Satya Niketan area of Delhi, a five-storey building being utilized as a paying guest accommodation collapsed on Sunday, resulting in the death of seven individuals. Following this catastrophic event, Sudhanshu, the operator of the facility named “Hostel Daze,” has been taken into custody, as reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI) on Wednesday.

Sudhanshu, along with his business partner Shubham Tyagi, had leased the building from its owner in August 2025. Tyagi, however, is currently on the run. This arrest marks the fifth in relation to the collapse, with authorities having previously detained the building’s owner, Hari Ram, along with his family members, including his son Mahesh, his wife Urmila, and a labor contractor named Saroj. Additionally, five municipal officials have faced suspension as investigations continue.

The structure, which is estimated to be between 40 to 50 years old, was undergoing repair work in its basement at the time of the disaster. Eyewitness accounts and initial investigations suggest that the building’s owners were aware that the structure could not support the additional weight from the four extra floors that had been added. Despite this knowledge, they proceeded to lease it out as a paying guest accommodation, raising serious questions about safety and compliance with building regulations.

In light of these events, local authorities are scrutinizing whether Sudhanshu and Tyagi conducted adequate safety assessments prior to occupying the building. Furthermore, they are examining the rental agreement used for the tenants, which reportedly contained stipulations that may not have ensured the safety of those living in the building.

The collapse has sparked a wider conversation about building safety standards in densely populated areas of Delhi, where many older structures are being repurposed for modern use without proper oversight. The tragic loss of life has highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such incidents in the future. Community members are calling for accountability and an immediate review of safety protocols to safeguard residents in similar accommodations.

Source: scroll.in