New Delhi: Police on Wednesday arrested PG operator Sudhanshu in connection with the collapse of a five-storey building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan. Seven people died in the accident, including five students. The police are now trying to find out how much information the PG operators had about the condition of the building and the repair work going on there. Sudhanshu is being interrogated.
When did Sudhanshu and Shubham take the building on lease?
According to the police, the building was taken on lease by two business partners Sudhanshu and Shubham Tyagi in August 2025. Both of them were running a PG here under the name ‘Hostel Days’. Shubham Tyagi is said to be absconding after the accident and the police is searching for him. Investigation has also revealed that other PGs were also being run in the same area with the same name.
What was happening during the repair?
An important part of the investigation is related to the ongoing repair and construction work in the building. According to the police, water and garbage were accumulated in the basement for several days. Repair work was going on there. Preparations were also being made to increase the space for commercial use on the ground floor. Police are now finding out how much pressure was exerted on the structure of the building during these works.
Was labour contractor Sanoj also arrested?
Before Sudhanshu, the police had arrested labour contractor Sanoj. According to the police, he was monitoring the ongoing repair work in the building. He was brought to Delhi after being caught from Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh. Now he too is being interrogated on questions related to construction and repair.
What action was taken against the family that owns the building?
In this case, the police have already arrested the building owner Hariram Gupta, his wife Urmila and son Mahesh. Thus, after the arrest of Sudhanshu, five people have been arrested so far in the case. According to the police, Mahesh used to look after the work related to the maintenance of the building.
Were additional floors built in the old building?
Investigation has revealed that the family had purchased this property in 1971. According to the police, at that time there was a basement, ground floor and first floor. Later two more floors were built. The investigating agencies are now finding out whether necessary permission was taken for the additional construction or not and how it affected the strength of the building.
Why was action taken against nearby buildings after the accident?
After the accident, the Municipal Corporation has started investigating the nearby buildings. A nearby building has also been declared dangerous and action to demolish it has been initiated. Other buildings in the area are also being identified which are in bad condition or where construction has been done against the rules.
Why were questions raised on the safety of PG after seven deaths?
After the Satya Niketan accident, serious questions have been raised on the security arrangements of PGs and private hostels in Delhi. Meanwhile, Delhi government has started work on the plan to link PGs and private hostels with license, police clearance and structural and fire safety NOC. In the proposed system, it has been said that every PG will be registered and its information will be made available on the public portal.
