Owners arrested after Delhi building collapse kills seven students and labourers

Delhi police have arrested 81-year-old property owner Hariram Gupta from Bhiwadi in Rajasthan in connection with the devastating building collapse that occurred in Satya Niketan area of south-west Delhi on September 6, 2026. Following their appearance in court, Hariram Gupta and his wife Urmila Gupta, aged 75, in whose name the property is registered, have been sent to 14 days of judicial custody. Their son Mahesh Gupta, aged 52, who was managing the paying guest accommodation, has been remanded to two days of police custody.

The five-storey building, approximately 30 years old and located near the South Campus of Delhi University, suddenly collapsed around 1:30 pm. The structure was being operated as a paying guest hostel for students. Seven people were killed in the incident, including five students and two labourers. A total of 12 people were rescued from the debris, of whom five are injured.

According to the police investigation, unauthorized excavation and repair work being carried out in the basement, along with weak pillars, were the main causes of the disaster. There had been complaints of water seepage and waterlogging in the building, due to which repair work was underway in the basement. It is alleged that additional floors were added to the old structure out of greed for rental income, and the capacity of the foundation was ignored.

According to documents, the property is registered in Urmila Gupta's name. The electricity connection was in Hariram Gupta's name, while day-to-day management was being handled by their son Mahesh Gupta. Hariram Gupta is a retired sergeant from the Indian Air Force. The family lives in Gurugram and owns a hardware and paint business as well as several other properties.

Hariram Gupta had absconded after the incident. Police issued a lookout circular against him and deployed more than 10 teams. He was apprehended from Bhiwadi with the help of human intelligence and technical surveillance. His wife and son were also taken into custody. All three were produced before the duty magistrate.

Meanwhile, five officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi have been suspended on charges of negligence. These include South Zone Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Superintending Engineer Ranveer Singh and other engineers. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also shown seriousness in this matter and issued strict instructions for action against illegal multi-storey buildings.

Police are currently searching for the paying guest warden or manager and the labour contractor. An FIR has been registered in the case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which include charges such as culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligent construction or repair, and endangering life.

This incident once again raises questions about the safety arrangements for old and illegal buildings in Delhi. Demands for student safety and strict compliance with building codes have intensified. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests may follow.