‘Owner Didn’t Take Precautions’: Delhi Police Tells HC on Satya Niketan Collapse

New Delhi: Delhi Police has told the Delhi High Court that the people arrested in connection with the Satya Niketan building collapse failed to take adequate safety precautions during repair and structural modification work, according to a status report submitted to the court.

The police said the alleged lapses created a situation that endangered the lives of students staying at the paying guest (PG) accommodation and other people and ultimately resulted in deaths and serious injuries.

Police allege safety lapses during repair work

According to the police status report, the six arrested accused persons allegedly failed to follow adequate safety precautions while carrying out construction, repair, modification or alteration work in and around the building.

The investigation, police said, also found that one of the accused, identified as Sanoj, had engaged two allegedly unqualified labourers for repair and structural modification work.

Police further alleged that Sanoj, described in the report as an unprofessional and unqualified rajmistri, failed to take adequate safety measures while carrying out the work. These are allegations contained in the police investigation and are yet to be adjudicated by a court.

Seven people died in the collapse

The multi-storey building in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University's South Campus, collapsed on September 6, 2026. The building was being used as a boys' PG accommodation.

The collapse killed seven people, including students, according to reports on the subsequent proceedings. The incident triggered questions over the structural safety of PG accommodations and the enforcement of building regulations in Delhi.

Delhi Police had earlier registered a case involving allegations of culpable homicide and negligence and launched efforts to trace those allegedly responsible. The building's alleged owner was subsequently arrested along with his wife and son.

Delhi High Court examines wider responsibility

The Satya Niketan collapse has also prompted scrutiny of the role of civic authorities and other institutions.

During earlier proceedings on a PIL concerning the collapse, the Delhi High Court said responsibility could extend beyond the PG owner to Delhi University and civic authorities, while also raising concerns about the shortage of hostel facilities for students.

The court has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to inspect PG hostels across its jurisdiction and report on whether the buildings have the required permissions and whether there have been violations of permissions or building bye-laws. The court has also sought information on action against officials if regulatory lapses are established.

Investigation into collapse continues

The police status report provides the investigating agency's current assessment of the alleged safety lapses. The findings do not by themselves establish criminal liability, and the allegations against the arrested individuals will be subject to the judicial process.

The High Court proceedings are also examining whether there were wider regulatory failures surrounding PG accommodations and building safety in the area.

The case has therefore expanded beyond the question of individual responsibility to include broader scrutiny of construction practices, structural safety, PG regulation and enforcement of building rules in Delhi.