‘Who is responsible?’ Opposition targets BJP following Delhi building collapse
Kolkata: Following a fatal building collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan neighbourhood, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh called on Monday for an inquiry into the incident, raising questions over the structure's construction and its occupancy by students.
Speaking to journalists, Ghosh characterised the disaster as unfortunate, remarking: "A hostel collapsing, an incident like this happening to students. There should be an investigation into this matter regarding who built such a building and why students were living in it. This is a matter of great concern. I believe the government will conduct a thorough investigation into this."
Meanwhile, the fatality count from the building collapse in the national capital reached six, with emergency personnel continuing search and rescue efforts at the location to clear heavy rubble and locate any remaining trapped occupants.
One additional body was retrieved during late-night rescue operations, bringing the confirmed death toll to six. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Fire Service, Delhi Police, and auxiliary emergency units remain deployed at the scene to clear heavy debris.
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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the disaster site on Sunday in Satya Niketan Colony, adjacent to Delhi University’s South Campus, as rescue units combed through the rubble.
The collapse has raised concerns regarding building safety standards in student paying-guest facilities, alongside the enforcement of construction regulations and fire safety codes across densely populated urban districts in New Delhi.
Congress leader and All India Congress Committee (AICC) Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja targeted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration over the safety of student lodgings. She noted that families send students to Delhi with aspirations of building their future, demanding accountability for their security.
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“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.
ANI