The owner of the building that collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan, Hariram Gupta, was apprehended from Rajasthan, 25 hours after the incident. Gupta was arrested in Bhiwadi after the Delhi Police issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against him following the collapse of the five-storey building, which was being used as a PG accommodation for students
Five Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) employees were suspended on Monday in connection with the collapse.
The suspended employees include South Zone officials — Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Superintending Engineer (SE) Ranvir Singh, Executive Engineer (EE) Lalit Kumar Goel, Assistant Engineer (AE) Sunil Chauhan and Junior Engineer (JE) Ashish Kumar.
According to the Delhi government, the suspension order came into effect immediately.
So far, seven people have been confirmed dead, while several others are receiving treatment.
Rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services and the police, continue to search through the rubble amid concerns that people may still be trapped.
Earlier on Monday, Delhi Chief Minister visited the site and ordered major action following the collapse. An FIR has been registered against the building owner, while strict action was ordered against MCD officials found responsible. A magisterial inquiry into the incident has also been ordered.
The Delhi government has also ordered inspections of all buildings having a fifth floor.
The Chief Minister said students evacuated from the affected area had been provided accommodation and that the government was taking care of their needs and well-being. The government was also in direct contact with the parents of those affected by the tragedy.
The Delhi government has further decided to mandate structural audits for all public-use buildings and check safety certifications for infrastructure housing PG accommodations, nursing homes, schools and other facilities.