Satya Niketan Building Collapse: At Least 5 Dead, DU Students Feared Trapped as Rescue Operation Continues
Satya Niketan Building Collapse in Delhi Kills at Least 5; Questions Raised Over Safety Audits (Image @I_am_Rohit_G on X)
By AMIT KUMAR
Rescue teams continue search operations after a PG accommodation collapsed near Shiv Mandir in Satya Niketan, South Delhi. Congress and AAP leaders have raised questions over building safety audits and administrative accountability.
New Delhi, September 6, 2026 — At least five people have died after a building housing students collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, with several others feared trapped under the debris, according to reports.
The building, reportedly being used as a paying guest (PG) accommodation for Delhi University students, collapsed near Shiv Mandir in Satya Niketan, Moti Bagh, around 1:30 p.m. Rescue and search operations are underway, with Delhi Police and Delhi Fire Service teams deployed at the site.
Delhi Police officials said nine people were rescued from the collapsed structure. Three of those rescued were reported dead earlier as rescue operations continued. PTI later reported that the death toll had risen to at least five, while people trapped inside were reportedly calling for help.
Around 15 ambulances were reported to be at the site as emergency teams continued efforts to locate and rescue those trapped.
Questions over safety audits in Delhi
The collapse has triggered questions over the structural safety of buildings being used as PGs and rented accommodation, particularly in areas populated by students.
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the incident raises serious questions about building safety audits and administrative accountability in Delhi.
“When thousands of students live in PGs and rented accommodations across the capital, has the Government conducted timely structural safety audits?” Singhvi asked.
He further questioned whether unsafe buildings had been identified and whether corrective action had been taken.
Congress worker Aditya Goswami also expressed concern over the safety of students trapped in the debris, saying that NSUI President Vinod Jakhar and his team were at the site assisting rescue teams.
Varun Choudhary said several Delhi University students were feared trapped and called for the immediate deployment of all available resources to expedite rescue operations.
AAP leader alleges corruption in building department
AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged that around 30-40 students could be trapped under the debris.
Bhardwaj also alleged corruption in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s building department, claiming that transfers of executive engineers were allegedly linked to payments of ₹1.25 crore.
He drew a parallel with the earlier Saket building collapse and alleged that future building audits could become another avenue for corruption.
He claimed that audits could result in businesses, gyms, hotels and hospitals being subjected to demands for money without addressing the underlying structural safety concerns.
These allegations have not been independently established in the information available for this report.
Building owner reportedly booked
According to the information cited in the statements, the owner of the collapsed building has been identified as Anand Bansal, a resident of Gurugram.
Delhi Police has reportedly registered an FIR against him and is attempting to trace him. He was reported to be absconding.
The allegations and police action are part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
PM Modi expresses condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences following the incident.
“The collapse of a building at Satya Niketan, Delhi is distressing. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are working at the site and assisting those affected in the mishap,” Modi said.
The rescue operation remains underway as authorities continue searching the debris for survivors.
The tragedy has once again brought attention to the structural safety of buildings used as student accommodation in Delhi and the need for effective inspection, enforcement and accountability.
The immediate priority, however, remains the rescue of those still believed to be trapped.
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