Law enforcement authorities have intensified their crackdown following the tragic building collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan area. On Wednesday morning, Delhi Police took PG operator Sudhanshu into custody, recording the fourth arrest in the ongoing investigation. Security teams are actively conducting raids to trace remaining suspects and examine structural compliance failures at the site.
Lease Details and Monthly Rent Revealed
During custodial interrogation, Mahesh, the son of the building owner, shared critical contractual details with investigators. Mahesh disclosed that he had leased the property in August 2025 to Sudhanshu and his business partner Shubham Tyagi. The duo operated a paying guest facility under the name 'Hostel Daze', paying a monthly rent of Rs 1,05,000 to Mahesh. While Sudhanshu has been apprehended, Shubham Tyagi remains absconding as search operations continue.
Basement Construction and Prior Custody Orders
Investigating officers noted that unauthorized renovation work had been underway in the building's basement for 10 days prior to the collapse. Police previously arrested a labor contractor from Kasganj linked to the work. Furthermore, a local court remanded property owners Hariram Gupta and his wife Urmila Gupta to 14 days of judicial custody, while Mahesh was placed under a 2-day police custody order for deeper questioning.
MCD Demolition Drive and New Regulatory Oversight
In the wake of the disaster, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) launched a major enforcement drive targeting unsafe structures. Authorities have initiated the demolition of 27 out of 51 identified dilapidated buildings across Satya Niketan. Simultaneously, the Delhi government plans to enforce the recommendations of the Gauba Committee, introducing a mandatory digital portal to register every operating PG hostel across the capital.
