Satya Niketan collapse: Why did Delhi Police arrest retired IAF sergeant and his family? What was found during the probe? | Today’s news
Delhi Police on Monday arrested a retired Indian Air Force soldier, his wife and their son in connection with the Satya Niketan building collapse in the city that left six dead.
Police are investigating whether the property had the proper permission and the family’s role in the accommodation for paying guests that took place in the building and the renovations that took place in the basement, which was the likely reason for the collapse. Accumulation of water in the basement could also be behind the collapse.
The three arrested have been identified as 81-year-old Hariram Gupta, his 75-year-old wife Urmila Gupta and their 52-year-old son Mahesh Gupta.
In a statement to ANI, Delhi Police said, “The owners and beneficiaries of the buildings – Hariram Gupta (81), his wife Urmila Gupta (75) and their son Mahesh Gupta (52) have been apprehended and arrested in the case. During investigation, it was found that the property is registered in the name of Urmila Gupta.”
Hariram Gupta and Mahesh Gupta were the ones managing and running the property, the police also said.
“Hariram Gupta, a retired sergeant of the Indian Air Force, has electrical connections for two floors to his name. Mahesh Gupta runs a hardware and paint shop and has two children,” the police added.
“Apart from this, searches are being conducted for PG operators and labor contractors. Their roles will also be probed and appropriate action will be taken accordingly. The rescue operation has been completed by the agencies. A total of 12 people have been rescued out of which seven have died. The remains of the deceased have been handed over to their families,” Delhi Police also said.
Was the building sealed last year?
The five-storey building, which was nearly 55 years old, had two rooms on each floor with two beds in each room, which served as a facility for paying guest (PG) boys.
Police are also verifying claims that the building was sealed last year, though the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has denied any such move.
PTI, quoting a police source, said the structure, which was spread over 55 square meters, had no pillars or beams.
A source also told PTI that a copy of the lease agreement is also under the police scan, which allegedly contains a clause that absolves the owner of all liability.
Authorities are also trying to determine if the family owned or operated any other paying guests in the area.
A criminal case has been opened at the South Campus Police Station against the accused for culpable homicide, negligence in building maintenance and endangering the safety of others.
