Satya Niketan building collapse: MCD South Zone Deputy Commissioner, four engineers suspended

The Delhi government suspended MCD South Zone Deputy Commissioner and four engineers following Satya Niketan building collapse, according to PTI.

The Satya Niketan building collapse in Delhi left seven people dead, while 12 others were rescued from the debris, according to NDRF. Rescue teams from the NDRF and Delhi Fire Service continued operations at the site, with one more person believed to be trapped under the rubble and possibly unconscious.

The suspended officials include:

• Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, South Zone
• Ranvir Singh, SE, South Zone
• Lalit Kumar Goel, EE (Bldg.), South Zone
• Sunil Chauhan, AE (Bldg.), South Zone
• Ashish Kumar, Junior Engineer (Bldg.)

NDRF Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela said two NDRF teams were deployed following the collapse and that rescue operations were expected to continue through the day. Officials said the exact number of people who may still be trapped was not known, as teams continued searching the debris with the help of sniffer dogs.

Also read: Satya Niketan building collapse: Delhi High Court to hear PIL seeking ₹1 crore compensation and safety audits

The Delhi High Court is also set to hear a PIL seeking ₹1 crore compensation for the families of each deceased student, along with structural safety audits of PGs and hostels across Delhi. The plea also seeks an independent probe into the collapse and accountability of those responsible.

Meanwhile, authorities have issued a lookout notice against the building owner as an FIR has been registered in connection with the collapse. The Delhi government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.