Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 9: The Delhi Police have arrested PG operator Sudhanshu in connection with the Satya Niketan building collapse that claimed seven lives, as the investigation into the tragedy widens.
According to police sources, the latest development came after Mahesh Bansal, son of building owner Hariram Bansal, reportedly told investigators that he had leased the property to business partners Shubham Tyagi and Sudhanshu in August 2025.
The duo allegedly operated the premises as a paying guest accommodation under the name ‘Hostel Daze’. Police have arrested Sudhanshu, while efforts are underway to establish the role of other persons connected with the property.
The police have also arrested Sanoj, the labour contractor associated with repair work at the building. He was detained in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday.
With the latest arrests, five people have so far been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
The five-storey building housing a boys’ PG in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed at around 1.30 pm on Sunday while repair work was underway. Seven people were killed and five others injured in the incident, with rescue operations continuing for nearly 27 hours.
Police sources said the decades-old structure had a persistent water seepage problem in the basement. Spread across around 55 square metres, the building comprised a basement, ground floor and four upper floors.
The structure reportedly had two rooms on each floor, with two beds in each room. Police sources also said the building did not have columns and beams.
Police have earlier arrested 81-year-old Hariram Gupta, his 75-year-old wife Urmila Gupta and their 52-year-old son Mahesh Gupta in connection with the collapse. While Hariram was initially believed to be the owner, police said documents indicated that Urmila owned the building, while Hariram and Mahesh allegedly managed the PG.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has suspended South Zone Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar and four engineers pending disciplinary proceedings.