Delhi building collapse death toll rises to seven as police hunt owner

The death toll from the collapse of a five-storey building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan rose to seven, as the search widened for its owner and authorities moved against buildings operating outside safety rules.

Delhi Police formed 10 teams to trace Hariram Bansal, who remains unaccounted for. The teams include local district police, the Special Staff and other operational units, each led by an officer of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police rank. Officers are conducting raids across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. A Look Out Circular has also been issued against Bansal.

An FIR has been registered against the owner and others. The building, known as Hostel Daze, was being used as accommodation for male students. Renovation work was allegedly under way when it collapsed, and authorities are investigating what led to the disaster and who should bear responsibility.

The Delhi government ordered intensive inspections of paying guest accommodations and other buildings in the neighbourhood. It also directed the immediate sealing of illegal five-storey buildings across the capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site again to review rescue work and safety measures. The Chief Minister’s Office said Municipal Corporation of Delhi officials would face action if lapses were established, adding that “there would be no compromise on the safety of Delhi’s residents and that no one would be spared in cases of negligence.”

The collapse also prompted evacuations from nearby hostels after cracks appeared in adjoining buildings, including a girls’ hostel. Iron jacks were installed to support structures near the site. The Delhi High Court is due to hear a petition concerning the tragedy, which has also triggered a political dispute.

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There would be no compromise on the safety of Delhi’s residents and no one would be spared in cases of negligence.