NEW DELHI A labour contractor linked to repair and construction work at the Satya Niketan PG building that collapsed and killed seven people has been apprehended in Uttar Pradesh, even as a rent agreement used by the hostel has come under police scrutiny for clauses that sought to shield the operators from liability for tenant casualties, injuries and losses.The contractor, identified as Sanoj, was apprehended in Kasganj and was being brought to Delhi for questioning as investigators probe the work carried out at the five-storey Hostel Daze building before its collapse, police said on Tuesday.The development comes a day after a Delhi court sent Hariram, a retired IAF sergeant, and his wife Urmila to 14 days’ judicial custody, while their son Mahesh was remanded to two days’ police custody.
Basement repairs, ground-floor extension under probe
Police said Mahesh told investigators that he looked after the maintenance of the building on behalf of his parents. The building had been leased to PG operator Hostel Daze in August 2025, he said.According to police, repairs had been underway in the basement for the past eight to 10 days, where waste and water had accumulated following days of rain.The ground floor was also allegedly being repaired for an extension for commercial purposes.Police said Mahesh and his family learnt about the collapse from locals and then went to his in-laws’ house in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.The building collapsed around 1.15pm on Sunday, with police receiving information at about 1.34pm.
FIR alleges additional floors put pressure on structure
According to the FIR, the entire building had collapsed by the time police reached the spot, with several people trapped under the debris.The structure had a ground floor and four upper floors and was being used to accommodate students and others.A local inquiry cited in the FIR indicated that the building was several years old and that its owners, identified as Hariram and his brother, had constructed the upper floors allegedly for rental income.Police alleged that further construction had put additional pressure on the structure and that the owners knew the existing foundation could not bear the extra load.
PG agreement says operators not responsible for ‘casualties or risk’
The investigation has also brought a rent agreement issued to the occupants under scrutiny.According to a police source, the document states that PG operators would not be responsible for any “casualties or risk” to tenants.It also says the hostel would not be liable to pay compensation for personal injury, loss or damage to belongings caused by circumstances beyond its control, including sealing, fire, earthquake, heavy rain and other natural calamities.The agreement further states that tenants leaving before the stipulated period would not be entitled to a refund of hostel fees or security money, while registration money paid for booking a PG seat was non-refundable.
PG agreement
Agreement gives operators power to evict tenants
The document also reportedly gives the operators the right to immediately evict tenants for indiscipline, misconduct, breach of rules, disrespect towards authorities, non-payment of dues or misbehaviour with wardens, staff or fellow students.It also barred parents and guardians from entering tenants’ rooms, according to the agreement.The case is being investigated by Delhi Police, which is examining the building’s construction and repair work, the role of those managing the PG and the circumstances that led to the collapse.(With PTI inputs)
