What really powers the cloud? Behind every Google search, A...
A lot of what defines a home isn’t visible at handover. I...
Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
Delhi Police have arrested two real estate-linked individuals in connection with the collapse of a multi-storey building in Saidulajab, south Delhi, that claimed six lives and left eight others injured. The arrests follow an investigation into the structure, which housed commercial establishments and was undergoing construction activity on its uppermost floor at the time of the incident. Authorities are examining whether unauthorised additions, structural deficiencies and violations of building regulations contributed to the collapse. The case has intensified scrutiny of illegal construction across south Delhi, prompting civic authorities to identify neighbouring structures that may have breached building norms. The incident has also triggered a wider review of enforcement mechanisms and accountability for unauthorised developments in the capital.
Delhi Police have arrested a builder and a contractor in connection with the collapse of a multi-storey building in Saidulajab, south Delhi, that killed six people and injured eight others. The arrests were made in the past week as investigators expanded their probe into the causes of the collapse, including possible structural flaws and alleged violations of building regulations.
The building, located near Saket Metro station, collapsed on 30 May while housing coaching facilities, cafés and office establishments. Officials said construction work was underway on the uppermost floor when the structure gave way, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving emergency services and disaster response teams.
According to police, the arrested individuals were responsible for the development and construction activities associated with the building. Investigators are examining whether the structure contained unauthorised additions beyond approved plans and whether engineering or design deficiencies contributed to the failure. The probe is also reviewing construction records, permissions and compliance with applicable building norms.
Authorities have registered a case under provisions related to culpable homicide and negligence. Officials indicated that the investigation would determine whether additional individuals, including other contractors, consultants or officials, may bear responsibility for the incident. Evidence collected from the site, including structural material and construction records, is being examined as part of the inquiry.
The collapse has drawn attention to the prevalence of unauthorised construction in parts of south Delhi. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials have identified several nearby buildings that allegedly violate building bye-laws and have initiated action against structures exceeding permissible development limits. Authorities have stated that notices will be issued to property owners found to be in breach of regulations, followed by sealing and vacation proceedings where necessary.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has stated that accountability would be fixed for negligence at every level and that violations of building regulations would not be tolerated. Civic authorities have subsequently intensified inspections across areas including Mehrauli, Saket, Saidulajab, Paryavaran Complex and Freedom Fighters’ Enclave, where concerns regarding unauthorised construction have been raised previously.
Officials are continuing to assess whether recent alterations or additional floors weakened the structure. Preliminary findings indicate that the investigation will focus on both technical and regulatory aspects of the project, including the approval process, construction practices and enforcement oversight.
The arrests mark the latest development in a case that has renewed concerns over building safety and regulatory compliance in Delhi’s densely developed urban neighbourhoods. The findings of the ongoing investigation are expected to influence further enforcement action against unauthorised structures across the city.