New Delhi: The death toll in the Saket building collapse has risen to six, as rescue teams completed intensive search operations at the site in south Delhi's Mehrauli area. Authorities have also registered an FIR in connection with the incident, while two officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have been suspended for alleged negligence.
The five-storey building collapsed on Saturday evening in the Said-ul-Ajaib locality near Saket, trapping several residents under the debris. Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, police personnel, and district administration officials, rushed to the scene and launched a large-scale rescue operation.
According to officials, six people have lost their lives in the tragedy, while several others sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue personnel worked through the night using heavy machinery, sniffer dogs, and specialized equipment to search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. By Sunday, authorities reported that no further signs of life had been detected and the operation had shifted largely toward debris removal and recovery.
In response to the incident, Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to causing death by negligence and other offences. Investigators have begun examining the circumstances surrounding the collapse, including whether building regulations and safety norms were violated.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has also taken disciplinary action. Two MCD engineers were suspended pending an inquiry into their alleged failure to monitor and act against unauthorized construction activities. Officials said a departmental investigation has been initiated to determine whether there were lapses in inspection, enforcement, or regulatory oversight.
Preliminary reports suggest that structural weaknesses and possible unauthorized modifications may have contributed to the collapse, though authorities have said the exact cause will be determined only after a detailed technical assessment. Experts from relevant departments are expected to inspect the site and submit reports in the coming days.
The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns over illegal construction and building safety in parts of the national capital. Residents and civic activists have called for stricter enforcement of construction rules and regular structural audits of residential buildings to prevent similar tragedies.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that those responsible would be held accountable. The administration has also announced assistance for affected families and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
As investigations continue, the collapse has raised fresh questions about urban planning, civic oversight, and the safety of aging and unauthorized structures across Delhi.
