New Delhi: The death toll from the building collapse in the capital’s Satya Niketan area has risen to seven. Debris removal operations are still underway, and the casualty count could potentially increase further. Significant action has now been taken in this matter; five officials from the South Zone of Delhi have faced disciplinary measures.
Acting on orders from the MCD Commissioner, five South Zone officials have been suspended. The suspended officials include Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Superintending Engineer (SE) Ranveer Singh, Lalit Kumar Goyal, Sunil Chauhan, and Junior Engineer (JE) Ashish Kumar. The official order states that the suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against them.
The MCD Vigilance Department has issued separate suspension orders. An investigation into the matter is currently ongoing, and the building owner remains at large. Further major administrative actions may follow soon.
Know the responsibilities of the suspended officers.
The department is responsible for monitoring construction activities and taking action against violations of building regulations. If construction was proceeding without authorisation or in deviation from approved plans, questions regarding the failure of the concerned officials to exercise proper oversight naturally arise. Typically, Assistant Engineers (AEs) and Junior Engineers (JEs) are involved in the initial on-site monitoring.
Executive Engineers (EEs) and Superintending Engineers (SEs) also bear responsibility for oversight and enforcement actions within their respective areas. The Deputy Commissioner holds responsibility at the administrative level for the zone. Meanwhile, regarding the Satya Niketan collapse, MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar had previously stated that, unfortunately, seven lives were lost.
He further noted that the building adjacent to the collapsed structure appeared to have been weakened, and reinforcement work was carried out overnight. Plans are in place to monitor the structure systematically over the next one or two days.
Khirwar added that documents related to the building’s owner were retrieved from property tax records. The owner had paid property taxes last year and had also paid conversion charges in 2007.
Major Action Taken Following the Incident
The owner of the building in the capital, Delhi, has been identified as Hariram Bansal, a resident of Gurugram. The police have registered an FIR in the matter, invoking charges of culpable homicide and negligence. Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi stated that all illegal structures exceeding four stories would be sealed immediately.
Additionally, steps will be taken to dismiss the officials found responsible. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the collapse of the PG accommodation in Satya Niketan. An MCD order dated September 6 has mandated the issuance of demolition notices for all dilapidated and dangerous buildings in Satya Niketan.
