Six Dead in Delhi Building Collapse, Builder and Contractor Held

New Delhi, June 10, 2026: Delhi Police have arrested a builder and a contractor in connection with the collapse of a multi-storey building in south Delhi's Saidulajab area that claimed six lives and left eight people injured. The arrests come as investigators examine whether unauthorized construction and structural violations contributed to the tragedy.
Builder and Contractor Taken Into Custody
The accused have been identified as Avinash Gupta and Manish Khatri, who were allegedly involved in the construction of the building. Police officials said both are being questioned about the approvals obtained for the project, the construction process and the addition of extra floors.
Earlier, the building owner, Karamveer, was also arrested in the case.
Probe Focuses on Illegal Extra Floors
According to investigators, the building was originally designed to support four floors. However, two additional storeys were reportedly added later.
Police have found that the structure allegedly lacked a sanctioned building plan, approved construction map and several mandatory permissions required for such expansion work. Officials suspect the additional load may have weakened the building and contributed to its collapse.
Rental Income Angle Under Investigation
Investigators believe the owner was earning rental income from the commercial property and may have added extra floors to increase revenue.
Sources said construction work on the additional storeys had started only a few months before the collapse. Authorities are now examining whether financial motives led to violations of safety norms and building regulations.
Building Design and Construction Quality Under Scanner
The investigation will also assess whether the building's design and construction quality were adequate to support the additional floors.
Experts involved in the probe are expected to review engineering specifications, construction materials and structural modifications carried out over time.
Officials say determining the exact cause of the collapse will be crucial in fixing responsibility.
Safety Concerns Resurface
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over illegal construction activities in urban areas. Civic experts warn that unauthorized additions to buildings can significantly increase safety risks, particularly when proper approvals and structural assessments are ignored.
The case is likely to intensify scrutiny of construction practices and enforcement mechanisms across the capital.
Final Word
With six people losing their lives, the Saidulajab building collapse has become a major reminder of the dangers associated with unauthorized construction. As the investigation progresses, authorities will seek to determine whether illegal modifications and negligence were directly responsible for the deadly incident.