6 killed in Satya Niketan building collapse; FIR against ownerNEW DELHI: The death toll in the Satya Niketan building collapse in Delhi rose to six as search and rescue operations continued at the site, with teams clearing heavy debris and looking for any remaining trapped persons. Hours after the building collapse in a student-dominated area near Delhi University’s South Campus, the MCD has ordered action against illegal buildings with four or more storeys.

One more body was recovered during late-night operations, taking the total number of fatalities to six. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other agencies continued rescue operations at the site as they worked to remove the debris.

The collapse that took place on Sunday afternoon, has raised fresh questions over the safety of buildings being used as paying guest (PG) accommodations and the enforcement of construction and fire safety norms in densely populated parts of the national capital. The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and directed that an FIR be registered against the building owner, the chief minister’s office (CMO) said.

“Following an on-site review and based on the preliminary assessment, the chief minister has ordered a Magisterial Inquiry of the incident and an FIR against the building owner,” the CMO said. It added that those found responsible for the incident would be held fully accountable and face the strictest provisions of the law.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and AICC Uttarakh and in-charge Kumari Selja questioned the BJP government over the safety of students living in such accommodations. “What is the BJP government doing?

They have forgotten what happened at the coaching centre. A mafia is operating in Delhi.

These children are sent away with so many hopes. They are the only support for their parents.

Who is responsible for their safety?” Selja said.

Former Delhi chief secretary Omesh Saigal said the incident should not be viewed as an isolated case, claiming that similar incidents occur every few months. He also raised concerns over unauthorised construction in parts of Delhi.

Saigal alleged that some buildings either have unapproved blueprints, additional floors added later or substandard construction, and questioned whether authorities responsible for approving building plans had adequately checked their safety." Look at the kind of buildings constructed in Delhi - I would say that in some areas, one in five buildings is unauthorised; either the blueprints weren't approved, extra floors were added, or the construction is substandard," he said.