NEW DELHI: The retired IAF sergeant accused of running the five-storey boys’ PG accommodation that collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan was allegedly earning more than Rs 4 lakh a month by housing 45 students in just 15 cramped rooms, police sources said.Hariram Gupta, 81, was arrested from Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi on Monday, a day after the building near Delhi University’s South Campus collapsed, killing seven people. His wife Urmila, 75, in whose name the property is registered, and their son Mahesh, 52, who allegedly helped manage the PG, were also arrested.The initial probe and statements from students revealed that around 15 rooms had been carved out inside the 55-square-yard property to accommodate 45 students. Three students were lodged in each room and were charged at least Rs 10,000 per month, generating an estimated monthly revenue of over Rs 4 lakh, sources said.
Amid Screams Of Help, Locals & Students Form Human Chain In Early Rescue At Satya Niketan
Police said the building was around 40-50 years old, with additional floors added over time. The five-storey structure also had commercial space and had been operating as a PG for around a year. Construction and renovation work had allegedly been underway for the past two weeks, including work in the basement.The building collapsed on Sunday while renovation work was underway, leaving seven dead and several others injured. The victims included five students and two labourers. Five injured people are undergoing treatment, with two reported to be in critical condition.Police have registered a case against the accused under provisions relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligent conduct during repair or construction, and endangering life or personal safety. Investigators are also examining the role of private players allegedly involved in facilitating illegal construction and PG operations in the area.
