Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has expressed solidarity with students after a building collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan , near Delhi University’s South Campus, reportedly claiming the lives of seven students. Following the tragic incident, Sonu urged the government to build hostels for students and ensure access to safe living spaces.
In Delhi, around 7 lakh students are enrolled, while hostel capacity is barely 30,000 — just 1 in 31 gets a hostel. Meanwhile, the Patiala House Courts has sent Satya Niketan building owner Hariram Gupta and his wife Urmila Gupta to 14 days of judicial custody, while their son Mahesh Gupta has been remanded to two days of police custody. The building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus and opposite Sri Venkateswara College, collapsed at around 1:30 pm on Sunday while repair work was reportedly underway in the basement.
Ten people were rescued from the debris and taken to the hospital, with several reported to be in critical condition. “The families who lost their children have already taken the bodies and left Delhi; the government made all the necessary arrangements, and we remain in touch with all the parents. Sonu took to his X account and wrote, “Every year, lakhs of students leave their homes to chase a dream in another city. But are we giving them a safe place to live? Why not identify vacant government land around universities and allow/build safe, affordable student hostels there? Universities could also be given additional building permissions to create more on-campus accommodation. He added, “Students get safety. Parents get peace of mind. Universities and governments generate revenue. And, most importantly, we protect lives. Sometimes, a small change in policy can protect someone’s biggest dreams. The absence of affordable on-campus housing at colleges under Delhi University are one of the biggest reasons why Paying Guest (PG) accomodations have seen a boom in the capital. they are unable to meet the demand, hence pushing students from across India into private accommodation While there are hostels available at some colleges. Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta visited the collapse site. He has now been apprehended. Police personnel and a dog squad have been deployed at the site. The structure had a basement and five upper floors. There is a building right next door—that building is dangerous; it has been declared unsafe.
A lookout circular (LOC) had been opened against building owner Hariram Gupta and his family members, a senior police officer told HT. Rescue teams are continuing search operations at the site for the second straight day on Monday. Chief minister Rekha Gupta has stated that the building next to the collapsed PG in Satya Niketan is unsafe and will be demolished tomorrow. It is scheduled to be demolished tomorrow,” she told reporters on Tuesday.
