Additional Accused Given 14-Day Judicial Custody in Delhi Building Tragedy

In a separate order issued by the Patiala House Court, two more suspects were directed to judicial custody for 14 days. Mahesh Gupta, the son of building owner Hariram Gupta, and labor contractor Sanoj were each sentenced to a fortnight of custodial detention. Prosecutors allege that Mahesh Gupta played a central role in managing the property and authorising illegal construction, while contractor Sanoj is accused of employing workers without proper blueprints, safety gear, or regulatory approvals.

The court’s decision reflects mounting evidence that the collapse was not merely an accident but the result of systematic violations of building codes and an illegal pay‑grade operation that housed more people than the structure could safely accommodate. The 14‑day judicial custody will allow investigators to interrogate the accused under supervision, aiming to piece together the chain of responsibility that led to the disaster.

Authorities have also noted that this case follows a recent fatal collapse of an old building in the same locality, further intensifying public demand for stricter enforcement of construction norms in the densely populated academic corridor of Delhi.