BuilderArrests – South Delhi Collapse Probe Expands After Two More Detentions
BuilderArrests – Two builders accused in the South Delhi building collapse case have been taken into custody as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Delhi Police has arrested two builders allegedly linked to the collapse of a multi-storey structure in South Delhi’s Saidulajab locality, an accident that claimed six lives and left eight others injured. Officials identified the accused as Avnish Gupta and Manish Khatri. Both were apprehended from the Vasant Kunj area after an extensive search operation conducted by investigating teams.
Police Track Movement of Accused
According to investigators, the two men left Delhi shortly after the building collapse and attempted to avoid detection by frequently changing their whereabouts. Police sources indicated that the accused moved across different locations in northern India while authorities worked to trace their movements.
The latest arrests follow the earlier detention of Karamveer, the owner of the building, who was taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the disaster.
Efforts to Evade Detection Under Investigation
Officials familiar with the case said that after the five-storey structure collapsed near Saket Metro Station on May 30, the accused initially travelled to Dehradun before later shifting to Manali. Investigators believe they adopted several measures to avoid leaving a clear trail that could assist law enforcement agencies.
Preliminary findings suggest that the two men avoided checking into hotels, which could have generated official records useful for tracking their locations. Authorities are now verifying travel details and gathering evidence related to the period during which the accused remained out of reach.
Public Transport Allegedly Used During Escape
Sources involved in the investigation stated that the accused largely depended on public transportation while moving between cities. They are also believed to have covered short distances on foot rather than using personal vehicles or app-based taxi services that might have created digital records.
Investigators further revealed that mobile phones linked to the accused remained switched off for extended periods. Police officials are examining communication records and other digital evidence to establish a complete timeline of their movements following the incident.
Focus on Construction Practices and Safety Compliance
The collapsed building reportedly housed multiple commercial establishments, including a coaching institute, a café, and office spaces. Authorities have also learned that construction-related activity was allegedly taking place on the upper floors when the structure gave way.
As part of the probe, officials are assessing whether the building complied with approved construction standards and municipal regulations. Investigators are examining the possibility of unauthorized structural modifications, violations of safety norms, or engineering shortcomings that may have contributed to the collapse.
Investigation Continues
Police and civic authorities are working together to determine responsibility for the tragedy and identify any lapses that may have endangered occupants and visitors. Technical experts are expected to review construction records, structural designs, and permissions related to the property as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The case remains under active investigation, with authorities continuing to collect evidence and question individuals connected to the project. Officials say further action will depend on the findings of the structural and legal examination currently underway.