NEW DELHI, September 7 (TNA) The Delhi Government has suspended five Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials with immediate effect following the collapse of a five-storey building in Satya Niketan that has killed at least seven people, as rescue operations entered their second day on Monday.
The suspended officials, all from the MCD’s South Zone, are Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Superintending Engineer Ranvir Singh, Executive Engineer (Building) Lalit Kumar Goel, Assistant Engineer (Building) Sunil Chauhan and Junior Engineer (Building) Ashish Kumar.
An order issued by the MCD’s Vigilance Department said the officers have been placed under suspension under Regulation 5(2) of the DMC Services (Control & Appeal) Regulations, 1959, pending disciplinary proceedings. During the suspension period, they will be paid a subsistence allowance as admissible under the rules.
The action comes amid mounting pressure on the civic body over alleged lapses in supervision and enforcement that allowed an old structure to be used as a multi-storey paying guest (PG) accommodation. Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi said strict action would be taken against officials found responsible for allowing illegal structures to come up, adding that those found guilty would face stringent action, including immediate dismissal.
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Police, continued to clear heavy debris and search for survivors on Monday. Police have registered a case against the PG owner and others, with a magisterial inquiry ordered into the circumstances of the collapse, including alleged illegal construction and maintenance lapses.
While officials have confirmed seven deaths and multiple rescues, local residents and student groups have expressed concern that more people, including students, could still be trapped under the debris. Rescue operations were continuing as of Monday afternoon.