Dozens feared trapped in collapsed building in Delhi - BBC

**Dozens Feared Trapped After South‑Delhi Boys’ PG Collapses**

A three‑storey paying‑guest (PG) accommodation in the Satya Niketan neighbourhood of South Delhi collapsed early on Wednesday, leaving dozens of students feared trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams from the Delhi Police, fire services and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were rushed to the scene, where they reported three fatalities and six survivors pulled out of the debris. Preliminary assessments suggest that a structural pillar shifted, precipitating the sudden failure of the building, which housed mainly young men pursuing higher‑education courses.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha (the official referred to as “CM Rekha” in local reports) visited the site within hours of the incident, condemning the negligence that led to the tragedy. She announced a “zero‑tolerance” stance, vowing that “no one will be spared” and that those responsible for the unsafe construction will face strict legal action. An immediate audit of similar PG facilities across the city has been ordered, and a special investigative team has been tasked with probing any lapses in building‑code compliance and the role of the landlord.

The collapse has ignited political outcry. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanded an urgent, transparent rescue operation and called for accountability from municipal authorities. Opposition figure Dipke (as quoted in ThePrint) pressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on broader student‑safety measures, questioning how such dilapidated structures remain operational. The Delhi government has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry, while families of the victims await answers and compensation.