ABVP protesters demanding accountability over the Satya Niketan collapse entered the MCD headquarters and allegedly vandalised the premises, leading to multiple detentions.
A protest by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) over the Satya Niketan building collapse turned violent on Sunday, September 6, as protesters entered the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) headquarters and allegedly vandalised parts of the premises.
Around 150–200 ABVP students gathered at the Civic Centre, demanding accountability from the MCD over the collapse of a five-storey building being used as a paying guest accommodation in Satya Niketan. Protesters also demanded the resignation of MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar.
According to police, some protesters entered the MCD headquarters through Gate No. 5 and began raising slogans. The situation escalated when protesters attempted to enter the main building, leading to a confrontation with the police.
Glass panels at the premises were allegedly damaged during the protest. Around 15 protesters were detained and taken to Kamla Market police station, while the remaining protesters were dispersed from the area. The demonstration came hours after the Satya Niketan building collapse, which killed at least six people and left several others injured. The building was being used as a PG accommodation in an area heavily populated by students from Delhi University’s South Campus.
ABVP has accused the civic authorities of negligence and demanded an investigation into the safety of student accommodation in the area. The organisation has also called for safety audits of PG accommodations.For students who depend on private PGs around South Campus because hostel options remain limited, the collapse has raised an uncomfortable question: how safe are the buildings they are paying to live in?
The protest, however, added another complication to an already serious situation. While demanding accountability from the authorities, protesters allegedly damaged property at the very office they were asking to take responsibility for student safety.
Whether the protest leads to concrete action on PG safety remains to be seen, but for students living in these accommodations, the question is considerably more immediate.
Image Credits: ANI
Ahana Dey
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