Satya Niketan building collapse: Court denies bail to owner and extends custody of six

A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of six individuals and denied bail to one suspect in connection with a fatal building collapse in Satya Niketan. The incident, involving a five-storey paying guest accommodation known as ‘Hostel Daze’, resulted in seven deaths and several injuries on September 6.

Patiala House Court denied bail to Hariram Gupta, the husband of the building owner, citing the gravity of the tragedy and the fact that the investigation is in its initial stages. The court noted that Gupta’s involvement in the site's activities was suggested by witnesses and that the property generated substantial monthly rent despite maintenance concerns.

Additionally, the court extended the judicial custody of six other accused persons by 14 days. The group includes the owners' son, Mahesh Gupta, the owners Urmila and Hariram Gupta, paying guest operators Sudhanshu and Shubham Tyagi, and labour contractor Sanoj.

Police investigations are currently examining the roles of the property owners, operators, and those involved in recent repair and construction work. Investigators noted that repair work was being conducted in the basement and the ground floor was being modified for commercial extension at the time of the collapse.