Delhi Satya Niketan Collapse: PG Operator Sudhanshu Arrested After Seven Deaths

Days after the collapse of a boys’ paying guest (PG) accommodation in Delhi’s Satya Niketan claimed seven lives, police have arrested one of the two operators who had been on the run.

The accused, identified as Sudhanshu, was apprehended by police on Wednesday morning. His business partner, Shubham Tyagi still remains absconding.

The five-storey property had been leased by the two partners in August 2025 and was subsequently operated as a PG accommodation.

One PG Operator Arrested, Partner Still Absconding

Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly collapse. Sudhanshu was among the individuals being sought in connection with the operation of the building.

Before his arrest, police had already detained labour contractor Sanoj, who was allegedly supervising repair work being carried out in the basement shortly before the structure came down.

According to police, the repair activity and other work inside the building are being examined as part of the probe into what caused the collapse.

Seven People Died In Satya Niketan Collapse

The multi-storey building collapsed on Sunday afternoon, killing seven people, including five students.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Amit Goel said preliminary findings indicated that repair and extension work was underway in parts of the property.

He said the basement had been undergoing repairs because waste had reportedly accumulated there during the previous eight to ten days. The ground floor was also being worked on for an extension intended for commercial use.

Investigators are examining whether the work carried out inside the building contributed to its collapse.

Building Owners Also Arrested

The investigation has also led to the arrest of the property's owners.

Delhi Police on Monday arrested 81-year-old Hariram Bansal, his 75-year-old wife Urmila Gupta and their 52-year-old son Mahesh Gupta from Bhiwadi in Rajasthan.

Bansal and his wife were subsequently sent to 14-day judicial custody, while Mahesh Gupta was remanded to two days of police custody.

During questioning, police said Mahesh Gupta provided the rent agreement involving his mother, the property owner, and the two PG operators, Shubham Tyagi and Sudhanshu.

The document is expected to help investigators establish the responsibilities and arrangements under which the building was being operated as a PG.

Probe Focuses On Construction And Repair Work

The Satya Niketan tragedy has brought renewed scrutiny on the safety and legality of buildings being used as student accommodation in Delhi.

Investigators are examining the condition of the structure, the repair work reportedly carried out before the collapse and the role of the property owners, operators and contractors.

With one operator now in custody and the other still untraced, police are expected to question Sudhanshu about the building's use, the work being carried out and the circumstances preceding the collapse.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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