Multiple fire, code violations at Satya Niketan building operator’s other PGs
Multiple fire code violations at Satya Niketan-linked PGs
Bharatmorning.com – Multiple fire code violations at Satya Niketan-linked student accommodation properties have raised fresh safety concerns in Delhi after a five-storey building managed by Hostel Daze collapsed on Sunday afternoon, killing seven people. The company was linked to several paying-guest facilities in the area.
Hostel Daze operator Sudhanshu Lovneesh was arrested on Wednesday, while his business partner, Shubham Tyagi, was absconding. Police said the firm operated seven establishments in the locality.
Five properties associated with the company were visited on Wednesday. Apparent violations were found at two buildings, where students were still staying. Residents and staff said some properties had been locked, branding removed and tenants encouraged to seek other accommodation.
Students report uncertainty and locked buildings
A third-year Delhi University student living at one of the properties said residents were worried because management staff were no longer responding to calls. The student also said the building was routinely locked from outside at night.
“The warden has left, Sudhanshu has been arrested, and no one is taking our calls. Two of us pay ₹34,000 for this tiny room with no window. The norm here has been to lock the building from outside every night. I am scared,” said the student.
For student residences, clear exits, accessible stairways and adequate ventilation are essential during a fire or structural emergency. Locked gates, blocked passages and narrow escape routes can make evacuation more difficult.
Moti Bagh II building had a single usable route
One Hostel Daze facility in Moti Bagh II, opposite Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus Metro station, was five storeys high. Food shops occupied the ground floor, while the remaining four floors contained five rooms each and could accommodate 40 people.
A staff member said many residents had left after Sunday’s collapse and that the warden had also departed. Between six and 10 students were still living at the property when it was visited.
“Most of the children ran away after the incident. Even the warden has left. I don’t know what will happen with this building… This is also an old building,” said a staff member who did not wish to be identified.
Black and grey sheets covered much of the building’s frontage, although Hostel Daze’s yellow logo remained visible. The property had only one usable entry-and-exit point, while iron gates, hanging electrical wires and limited space affected the other sides.
Second property had narrow stairs and a sealed rear exit
Another five-storey Hostel Daze property near south Moti Bagh had its entrance on the ground floor and four rooms on each of the upper four floors. It had capacity for at least 32 students.
Two students shared rooms rented for ₹34,000. The rooms had two beds, an almirah, a table and an attached washroom, but no windows. A narrow staircase was the only route to the upper floors, and the rear exit was sealed.
Twelve students remained at the building. Residents said a large yellow signboard was removed on Sunday night after the Satya Niketan collapse. They also said the resident warden had left and another warden advised them to start looking for new accommodation.
“Our warden ran off. Another warden told us that we all should leave and start looking for other places,” said a second-year Delhi University student.
Hostel Daze logos and notices were still visible inside the properties visited. Wardens and several residents confirmed that the company operated the facilities.
Safety concerns echo other Delhi incidents
The reported issues included single access points, narrow staircases, blocked corridors, encroached entrances, locked terrace gates and the absence of fire extinguishers. Multiple fire code violations at Satya Niketan-linked properties underline the need for safe exits and effective emergency access in student housing.
Delhi has seen several recent fatal fires and building collapses. On June 3, a fire at a bed-and-breakfast in Hauz Rani killed at least 23 people. Four days earlier, six people died in an illegal building collapse in nearby Saidulajab, while nine people were killed in a May fire at a residential building in Vivek Vihar.
FAQ: Student PG safety in Delhi
What should students check before moving into a PG? Residents should look for more than one usable exit where possible, unobstructed staircases, accessible fire extinguishers, windows or ventilation, and gates that can be opened quickly from inside.
What should a tenant do if an exit is locked or blocked? Tenants should document the concern, inform the property operator in writing and contact local authorities or emergency services if they believe there is an immediate safety risk.
Why are narrow staircases and sealed exits dangerous? During a fire, collapse or other emergency, they can slow evacuation and restrict access for rescue teams.