Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep anguish over the deaths caused by a building collapse in Delhi, posting on the social media platform X that rescue operations were underway and every possible help was being extended to those affected.
What Rajnath Singh said
In his post, Rajnath Singh wrote that the loss of precious lives due to the building collapse in Delhi was extremely painful, adding that his thoughts were with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness. He said rescue operations were underway and all possible assistance was being provided to the affected, while also praying for everyone's safety.
The incident and its fallout
The collapse comes at a time when questions have repeatedly been raised over the safety of buildings and residential structures in Delhi. Rescue teams reached the site after the incident and began pulling people out from under the debris. The exact cause of the collapse has not been officially confirmed yet, and the matter is reported to be under investigation.
Questions over student housing and safety
Reacting to the same incident, Rahul Gandhi said that every student's life is precious and that their protection must be ensured. He also raised the issue of the shortage of affordable and safe housing for students in Delhi, reigniting the debate over when concrete steps will be taken to protect students and ordinary residents forced to live in old, dilapidated buildings in the capital.
Such accidents have happened before
Building collapses are not new to Delhi. Earlier, the families of those who died in the Saidulajab building collapse and the Hauz Rani fire were given an ex-gratia amount of ₹10 lakh by the Delhi government, along with assurances of strict action. Despite this, accidents linked to unsafe buildings in the capital have continued.
Public reaction
Rajnath Singh's post drew a mixed response on social media. While many users expressed sympathy for the affected families, others questioned when the government would move beyond condolences and bring in a concrete policy on unsafe buildings and student housing.
