NEW DELHI: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) expresses deep grief and heartfelt condolences over the tragic collapse of a dilapidated PG building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan, which claimed the lives of students. This heart-wrenching incident highlights a critical failure in administrative oversight and the safety of student accommodations in Delhi. Immediately following the incident, ABVP activists reached the spot to assist the administration and rescue agencies in relief efforts. ABVP extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased students and prays for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Following the news of the tragedy, ABVP activists staged a protest outside the MCD office, demanding administrative accountability, the resignation of the MCD Commissioner, and strict legal action including the registration of an FIR under relevant criminal provisions against all individuals involved. During the protest, the police resorted to a lathi charge, injuring several ABVP members, including DUSU President Aryan Maan, and detaining over 50 activists.
ABVP demands a high-level and impartial inquiry into the incident to ensure complete accountability. The investigation must examine the construction activities undertaken by the property owner, builder and contractor, and must also establish who authorised the excavation of a basement beneath the existing building, on what basis permission was granted for operating the PG, and why the concerned MCD officials failed to take timely action. ABVP had previously raised, through formal representations, the issue of safety arrangements and violations of prescribed norms in illegally operated student accommodations and PGs across Delhi before the concerned authorities. Despite this, if such buildings continued to operate without adequate safety inspections and regulatory oversight, it reflects serious administrative negligence.
ABVP demands that departmental as well as legal action be taken against officials found responsible and that the MCD Commissioner resign immediately. Further, all PG accommodations and private hostels across Delhi must undergo a time-bound structural and fire-safety audit, with mandatory registration and strict compliance with prescribed safety standards. Affected students must be provided immediate access to safe accommodation, while injured students must receive proper medical treatment and all necessary assistance. The families of the deceased students must be provided appropriate compensation. Concrete measures must also be taken to increase the availability of adequate and safe hostel facilities for students in Delhi’s educational institutions.
Dr Virendra Singh Solanki, National General Secretary of ABVP, stated: ”The Satya Niketan incident is deeply tragic and has inflicted unimaginable pain on several families. While ABVP activists remain engaged on the ground in relief operations, accountability must be established alongside relief efforts. It is vital to determine how this disaster occurred and why it was not prevented in time. If illegal or hazardous construction was taking place, whose responsibility was it to stop it, and on what basis were students allowed to reside there?
These questions demand clear answers, and those responsible must be identified. The investigation cannot remain a mere formality- strict, unyielding action must be taken against anyone found guilty. ABVP will not tolerate administrative negligence when it comes to student safety. Our activists have been assisting on the ground since the event occurred, and our protest in South Campus demanding administrative accountability will continue unabated until justice is served.”
