Following the collapse of a paying guest (PG) building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday, which claimed three lives, an investigation has been launched to determine whether the property had the required municipal approvals and safety certificates, police sources told CNN News18.
The probe has revealed that the collapsed structure was allegedly being used for unauthorised PG and hostel operations catering to students from Delhi University’s South Campus and other nearby educational institutions. The unauthorised PG was under construction when the tragedy unfolded.
Police Probe Alleged Illegal Hostel Operations
Officials from the Delhi Police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) are examining whether the premises had been legally permitted
for commercial use as a PG or hostel.
Sources said such accommodations are often operated without commercial-use permissions and may lack mandatory fire safety measures, including adequate exits. Initial findings have also indicated that the building underwent extensive internal modifications to accommodate a large number of occupants.
The probe is also focused on examining whether the property owner, Anand Bansal, was running a high-density accommodation facility from the premises or whether the building was authorised solely for residential use.
Police sources further said Bansal has not been cooperating with the investigation and his phone is currently switched off. Authorities are also checking whether the property had previously attracted municipal notices or complaints from neighbours over alleged structural concerns or overcrowding.
Delhi PG Building Collapse
The PG building collapse incident triggered a rescue operation by emergency teams. The incident has raised fresh questions over the safety of student accommodations in Delhi, particularly in areas surrounding major educational hubs where PGs and rented accommodations are widely used by students.
Authorities are continuing to ascertain the circumstances that led to the collapse and whether any violations contributed to the incident.
