Strict action should be taken against 'PG Mafias', say Delhi's Satya Niketan residents

New Delhi, Sep 9 (AHN) Days after a multi-storied building collapse at Delhi's Satya Niketan claimed seven lives, locals in the area urged for strict action against 'Paying Guest Mafias', even as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) initiated action against the building adjoining the one that had collapsed,

It was declared 'dangerous' after the hostel building collapsed.

Speaking to AHN, an undergraduate student, Ayush, said: "MCD should have undertaken such precautions earlier. Despite a notice being issued a month back, the PG kept on functioning, and no action was taken against them...the problem here is that action is taken only after a tragedy takes place. "

"Now action is being taken when students have already lost their lives...instead, politicians are serving their own interests," he said while seeking the resignation of the MCD Commissioner.

"Strict action should be taken against the 'PG Mafias'," he stated.

Ayush added that the cost of a single bed in the PG accommodations in the area ranges from Rs 12,000 to 14,000, "that too with zero facilities".

Further, he urged the government and the colleges to provide hostels to students.

Priyanka, a local in the area, urged that all "dilapidated buildings" in the area should be demolished.

"If another incident takes place, it will again lead to loss of lives as tragedy can happen anytime...There are many hotels in the area which are also in poor condition; people can die even while eating there," she told AHN.

Moreover, she accused the government of not providing accommodation to the students who have been leaving from the PGs in the area. "Students have taken shelter at gurudwaras and are being served food there. Why is no one from the government coming forward to help them?" she asked.

Pradeep, a salesman by profession, told AHN that he was going back as the stationery shop in the area, where he delivered goods, has been closed since the building collapsed on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested PG operator Sudhanshu in connection with the building collapse, taking the total number of arrests in the case to five.