New Delhi: The owners of the Delhi building that collapsed, killing several people, allegedly knew that its decades old foundation could not withstand additional weight but still constructed four extra floors to generate rental income, according to the FIR registered in the case.
The FIR alleges that building owner Hari Ram Bansal, also known as Gupta, and his brother proceeded with the additional construction despite being aware of the limitations of the existing foundation. Police have alleged that the extra floors were built to increase rental earnings, even though the added weight posed a potential threat to the stability of the structure.
The building was reportedly being operated as a paying guest accommodation under the name HostelDaze. It consisted of a ground floor and four upper floors and was occupied by a large number of students and other residents when it collapsed.
According to the FIR, the owners were aware that the existing foundation was not designed to support the additional load and that the construction could potentially lead to a structural failure and loss of life. Despite the alleged risk, the additional floors were constructed and subsequently used for rental purposes.
FIR number 153/2026 was registered at South Campus Police Station on Sunday night following a complaint by ASI Prafull Toppo. Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligence in the construction or repair of a building and acts endangering life or personal safety.
The allegations have raised questions over how the additional floors were permitted if the foundation was known to have limited load bearing capacity. Investigators are expected to determine who authorised the construction and whether required approvals, structural assessments or safety clearances were obtained.
The claims contained in the FIR remain allegations at this stage and will be tested during the police investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
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