Saket Building Collapse Explained: Deaths Rise to 6, Illegal Construction Under Scanner

By Mahima Katal New Delhi, June 1: The death toll in the Saket building collapse has risen to six, intensifying scrutiny of civic authorities after allegations surfaced that the structure had been flagged as unauthorised more than a decade ago but no action was taken.

The multi-storey commercial building near Saket Metro Station in south Delhi collapsed on Saturday evening, trapping several people beneath the debris. The structure housed a coaching institute, cafes and offices, and construction work was reportedly underway on its upper floors at the time of the incident.

According to Delhi Police, six people lost their lives while at least eight others sustained injuries and were rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment. Police sources said that some of the victims were preparing for the Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) Examination.

Following the tragedy, an FIR has been registered under charges related to culpable homicide. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal said investigation teams have been deployed to examine the circumstances leading to the collapse.

A massive rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Delhi Police and local volunteers continued through the night. Rescue teams used heavy machinery, hydraulic cutters, victim-location cameras and sniffer dogs to search through the rubble before concluding the operation after accounting for all trapped persons.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that the building had long been under the radar of civic authorities. Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had booked the 700-square-yard structure for unauthorised construction in 2015 but failed to take any action.

According to documents shared by Bharadwaj on social media, the MCD in 2021 reportedly determined, following directions from the Delhi High Court, that the construction was unauthorised and liable for demolition. However, the building allegedly remained standing and continued to be occupied.

Bharadwaj further alleged that Delhi Police had forwarded complaints to the MCD in March 2026 regarding additional fourth and fifth floors being constructed on the building, warning that the structure had become unsafe.

Questioning the accountability of senior officials, the AAP leader demanded action against those responsible for failing to enforce demolition orders, alleging that lower-level engineers should not be made scapegoats for systemic negligence.

The MCD has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. Authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the collapse and identify those responsible.