5 Key Takeaways
- The building collapse killed six people and injured eight, highlighting the deadly consequences of illegal construction.
- The owner Karamveer prioritized profit over safety, earning ₹10 lakh monthly from unauthorized floors and planning more.
- No approved building plan was found, indicating serious violations of Delhi's construction regulations.
- Police seized electricity meters as evidence of ownership and illegal construction, while the builder Manish remains absconding.
- The tragedy prompted a crackdown on illegal structures by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, though lasting enforcement is uncertain.
The Saket Building Collapse: A Tragedy of Greed, Illegal Construction, and Missed Warnings
Just before 6 p.m. on May 30, a five-storey commercial building near the Saket Metro station in New Delhi came crashing down. When the dust settled, six people were dead and eight others were injured. The structure housed a coaching centre, cafes, and offices. But as investigators dig through the debris, they have uncovered a chilling story of profit-driven illegal construction that may have turned a death trap into a disaster waiting to happen.
The building's owner, 71-year-old Karamveer, has been arrested. And what police have learned from him paints a picture of staggering financial ambition — one that apparently put profits far above safety.
A Lucrative Business, Built on Violations
According to sources involved in the probe, Karamveer told investigators that he was earning approximately ₹10 lakh per month from the four completed floors of the building. Each floor had reportedly been rented out for about ₹2.5 lakh per month. That's a steady, substantial cash flow — more than enough to make the structure a significant income source.
But Karamveer didn't stop there. At the time of the collapse, two additional floors were under construction. Sources say he had already held discussions with prospective buyers and investors about these proposed levels. He expected those new floors to bring in an additional ₹5 lakh per month. The total potential monthly income from the building would have been around ₹15 lakh — all from a building that may never have had a legal leg to stand on.
No Approved Building Plan — A Critical Finding
Police have so far been unable to trace any approved building plan for the structure. If investigators confirm that the building lacked sanctioned plans or was constructed in violation of approved norms, criminal liability could extend beyond the owner. The builder, other contractors, and anyone involved in the project may also face charges.
This absence of documentation is a red flag. In Delhi, as in most Indian cities, constructing a multi-storey commercial building without proper approvals is a serious offence. Yet, that did not stop Karamveer and his associates from pressing ahead — allegedly adding floors without any official oversight of structural safety.
"All from a building that may never have had a legal leg to stand on."
Evidence Seized: Electricity Meters as Key Proof
On Tuesday, June 2, during the debris clearance operation, police seized several electricity meters from the site. All were registered in Karamveer's name. Officials believe these meters could serve as crucial documentary proof — helping to establish ownership of the building and fix responsibility for the illegal construction.
Electricity meters may seem like a small detail, but in cases like this, they can be the paper trail that connects a building to its owner. Without an approved plan, the meters become evidence of an unauthorised structure.
Tracing the Builder: Manish on the Run
The police investigation is now focused on finding the builder, identified only as Manish, who is currently absconding. According to sources, his last known location was traced to Dehradun. A police team has been dispatched there to apprehend him.
Investigators believe that Manish's arrest could uncover further details about the construction process, any approvals that may have been obtained (or not), and the financial transactions linked to the building. He may hold the key to understanding exactly how the project was allowed to proceed.
- When did the construction begin?
- How many people were residing or working in the structure at any given time?
- Did any of the occupants notice signs of structural weakness — cracks, vibrations, or other warning signs — before the collapse?
Tenants and Occupants Under Scrutiny
Police have also begun contacting the tenants and occupants who had rented floors in the building. Notices are being issued to several people as investigators seek to learn more about the timeline and conditions within the building.
These questions are crucial. If tenants saw dangers and did not report them, or if they knowingly occupied an unsafe building, their role may also be examined. But for now, the focus remains on the owner and builder.
A Wider Crackdown on Illegal Structures
The collapse has prompted the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to launch a drive to identify and seal illegal structures in south Delhi. This is a standard response after such tragedies, but whether it leads to lasting enforcement remains to be seen.
Six lives have been lost. Eight people are injured. Families are grieving. And all of this might have been prevented had the building been constructed legally and inspected for safety.
What Happens Next?
The investigation is being conducted from multiple angles — alleged violations of building regulations, culpability of the owner and builder, and potential negligence by tenants or others. Karamveer remains in custody. The search for Manish continues. And the MCD is promising action against illegal buildings in the area.
For the families of the victims, no amount of arrests will bring back their loved ones. But the hope is that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call — a reminder that when profit is prioritised over safety, and when rules are ignored in the name of easy money, the consequences can be deadly.
The building may have been earning ₹10 lakh a month. But in the end, it cost six people their lives. And that is a price no amount of rent can justify.
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