Delhi Police report negligence in Satya Niketan building collapse

Delhi Police has informed the Delhi High Court that the collapse of a five-storey building in Satya Niketan was caused by a failure to take adequate safety precautions during repair and structural modification work. According to a status report filed by the police, the building, which operated as a paying guest accommodation named ‘Hostel Daze’ near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed on September 6.

The investigation indicates that the owners carried out structural changes without the advice of qualified engineers or architects and were renting the premises commercially without proper permissions. The collapse, attributed to excessive structural load or a weakened structure, resulted in seven deaths—including five students and two labourers—and left several others injured.

The police report further noted that the accused individuals left the scene following the incident instead of assisting in the aftermath. The matter is currently being heard in relation to a public interest litigation seeking compensation for the victims' families and the preservation of evidence.