New Delhi: The investigation into the Satya Niketan building collapse has widened after police found that the five-storey property had been leased to two operators who were running it as a boys’ paying guest accommodation under the name Hostel Daze.
According to police sources cited by India Today, the property was leased to business partners Shubham Tyagi and Sudhanshu in August 2025 by Mahesh Gupta, the son of the building’s owners who was handling its maintenance. Sudhanshu has been arrested, while Tyagi remains absconding.
PG operators now face police scrutiny
The building collapsed in Satya Niketan on Sunday, killing seven people. Police are examining the role of the property owners, PG operators and those involved in repair and construction work.
Investigators are also examining the rental agreement reportedly issued to PG occupants. Police sources said the agreement contained a clause stating that the operators would not be responsible for casualties or risks to tenants, raising further questions about the safety responsibilities accepted by those running the accommodation.
A labour contractor, identified as Sanoj, has also been arrested in connection with repair work carried out at the property. Police are investigating whether work in the basement and ground floor contributed to the collapse.
Questions over construction and safety
Police have alleged that additional floors were constructed on the decades-old building despite concerns about its foundation. Investigators are also looking into repair work undertaken after rainwater and waste accumulated in the basement.
The probe is examining whether the building had the required permissions and safety clearances before it was used as a PG accommodation. Officials are also checking records relating to previous construction and commercial activity at the property.
Delhi moves to tighten PG safety rules
The tragedy has prompted wider scrutiny of private hostels and PGs across Delhi. The Delhi government has directed safety reviews covering building permissions, fire clearances and structural stability.
The Delhi High Court has also issued notice in a plea seeking a time-bound policy to provide more hostel facilities for students, while another petition seeks wider regulation and safety checks for PGs and private hostels.
With seven lives lost, the investigation is now raising a larger question: who should be held responsible when unsafe buildings become homes for students?