Delhi Police on Monday arrested the owner of the building that collapsed in South Delhi's Mehrauli area near Saket Metro Station, as the death toll in the incident
rose to six. The accused has been identified as Karamveer, 71, son of Mangal Singh. Police said he has been arrested in connection with the collapse of the five-storey building in Saidulajab on Saturday. A case of culpable homicide has been registered at Mehrauli Police Station, and further investigation is underway. According to police, six people have died in the collapse, rescue teams searched through the debris for any survivors and dead bodies. Emergency personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Delhi Police carried out round-the-clock rescue operations since the building came crashing down. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site on Sunday and said strict action would be taken against unauthorised buildings and officials responsible for allowing them. She also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident under the supervision of the South District Magistrate.
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In a statement, the Chief Minister's Office said officials have been directed to inspect old and unsafe buildings in the area and take necessary action wherever required. It added that action would also be taken against officials found responsible for lapses.
South Delhi DCP Anant Mittal said police personnel reached the spot immediately after receiving information about the collapse. He said an old building had collapsed and its debris had fallen on an adjacent structure, where a canteen used by medical students was reportedly operating. Several people were rescued from the site and shifted to hospitals through a green corridor created by the police.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the collapse and whether building safety norms were violated.
