New Delhi: Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the site of a building collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, where the death toll has risen to six following the recovery of another body during late-night efforts.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, and local emergency personnel remain on the ground clearing heavy debris to locate anyone who may still be trapped.

The incident has renewed intense scrutiny over the safety of paying guest (PG) accommodations, lax enforcement of building codes, and standard fire safety protocols across densely populated areas in the capital.
 

The collapse has also sparked a political controversy. Congress leader and AICC Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja targeted the governing party regarding safety standards for students residing in non-compliant PG facilities.

“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.

Addressing structural failures in the capital, former Delhi Chief Secretary Omesh Saigal emphasised that the tragedy is part of a broader, systemic issue involving illegal construction.

“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.

He further urged municipal bodies to halt fresh construction approvals in saturated localities. “At the very least, we should ban new construction in these areas. We must halt new construction or stop sanctioning building plans for areas that are already over-congested and over-built. These are the things that need to be addressed,” he added.

National Students' Union of India (NSUI) president Vinod Jakhar criticised the official response time and disaster preparedness at the site.

“Rescue operations are ongoing, and conditions are dire. Almost all the students being pulled out are dead. We tried our best to get those students out. We actually succeeded in rescuing about three of them. Had the medical facilities, medical teams, police and fire brigade arrived on time had all necessary resources and responsible officials been present promptly, perhaps more students could have been saved. But the BJP has no disaster management plan. Just look at how the country's Home Minister inaugurates a grand BJP office in Goa today, while here, a building collapses. BJP offices never collapse because they are built using money extorted from PG and coaching centre operators. Our only demand is justice for the students. Several of our colleagues have also sustained serious injuries. There is absolutely no accountability,” Jakhar said.

In response, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha president Rajat Choudhary stated that medical response teams and ambulances are deployed in full capacity to assist victims. He urged political leaders to focus on rescue efforts rather than point-scoring.

“This is not the time for politics; those affected were someone's children. Instead of playing politics, one should offer support. The Opposition should not do this, they should stand in solidarity,” he said.

ANI