Delhi building collapse: PG operator arrested as MCD starts demolition at Satya Niketan

The five-storey ‘Hostel Daze’ PG building collapsed in Satya Niketan on September 6, killing seven people. File pic

The Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested PG operator Sudhanshu in connection with the building collapse in South Delhi's Satya Niketan that claimed seven lives.

The police also took labour contractor Sanoj and Mahesh, son of landlord Hariram Gupta, from RK Puram Police Station for medical examination as part of the investigation. Further examination is underway, police sources said.

PG operator arrested in building collapse case

According to police sources, Mahesh told investigators during questioning that the building had been leased to business partners Shubham Tyagi and Sudhanshu in August 2025. The duo subsequently ran the property as a paying guest accommodation under the name ‘Hostel Daze'.

Mahesh, who had been arrested earlier in connection with the collapse, is scheduled to be produced before the Patiala House Court on Wednesday after the completion of his police custody. The court had remanded him to two days of police custody on Monday.

Police said Mahesh told investigators that he managed maintenance of the property on behalf of his parents, Urmila, 75, and her retired husband Hariram, 81.

The couple had leased the building to the operators of ‘Hostel Daze' in August 2025. Urmila and Hariram were sent to 14 days of judicial custody on Tuesday.

Contractor questioned over basement repair work

Police had also arrested labour contractor Sanoj, who was allegedly overseeing repair work in the basement of the PG building. He was apprehended in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, and was being brought to Delhi for further examination.

During preliminary questioning, Sanoj allegedly told investigators that repair work was underway in the basement on the day of the collapse. Police said waste had accumulated on the basement floor for eight to 10 days due to the rainy season.

Repair work was also reportedly being carried out on the ground floor to facilitate an extension for commercial purposes, police said.

MCD begins demolition of adjoining building

Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has initiated action against the building adjoining the collapsed structure. The building was declared dangerous following the September 6 collapse.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had said on Tuesday that the civic agency would demolish the dilapidated building located next to the ill-fated PG accommodation.

The five-storey ‘Hostel Daze' building was being operated as a boys' PG and housed several students when it collapsed at around 1:30 pm on Sunday. Seven people were killed in the incident.

MCD intensifies action against unauthorised construction

Following the tragedy, the MCD has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised construction across the national capital.

On Monday, the civic body demolished seven properties, sealed two structures and issued 26 show-cause notices concerning unauthorised construction. It also issued four notices for sealing and 12 demolition orders.

The police investigation into the Satya Niketan collapse and the circumstances surrounding the building's operation and repair work is continuing.

(With inputs from IANS)