The over 27-hour rescue operation at the Delhi Satya Niketan building collapse site concluded on Monday evening, with seven people dead and five injured.
The building owner Hariram, his wife Urmila and son Mahesh were arrested and booked on charges including culpable homicide and negligence. Hariram and Urmila were sent to 14-day judicial custody whereas son Mahesh was sent to two-day police custody.
The Delhi High Court ordered a high-level inquiry into the collapse, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) suspended its South Zone deputy commissioner and four engineers pending disciplinary proceedings. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government will introduce mandatory periodic structural audits and safety certifications for buildings used as PGs, nursing homes, schools and other public facilities.
Officials said the old building’s dilapidated condition and possible structural failure may have contributed to the tragedy. Rescue teams cleared the rubble and withdrew from the site after the operation ended around 5.10 pm.
The incident has also prompted concerns over oversight of buildings used for accommodation and other public activities, with authorities signalling tighter scrutiny and accountability to prevent similar tragedies.
(With inputs from PTI)