At least five killed in New Delhi building collapse

At least 150 to 200 members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), an organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), staged a protest at Delhi's Civic Centre on Sunday following a building collapse that claimed three student lives and left several others trapped. The incident occurred in the Satya Niketan area, where a paying guest accommodation crumbled, leaving the neighborhood in turmoil.

Rescue operations are ongoing at the site, with police still searching for survivors amidst the debris. The protesters entered the Civic Centre, took a stand outside the main building, and vociferously criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and its commissioner, Sanjeev Khirwar. Some of the students attempted to breach the building, resulting in a confrontation with law enforcement, leading to a brief scuffle.

Around 15 individuals were arrested and subsequently taken to PS Kamla Market for further questioning under the provisions of the Delhi Police Act. Subsequently, police cleared the area and dispersed the remaining protesters. The situation is currently under control, according to authorities.

ABVP released a statement demanding a thorough investigation into the matter and the strictest possible action against those responsible for the negligence. Footage from the protest showed broken glass as police clashed with a large group of demonstrators outside the MCD office. A security guard at the office was also injured during the protest, according to ANI.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel confirmed that an FIR has been filed against the building owner, Hariram, and others at the South Campus police station. The collapse left the student community in disarray, with rescue workers, concerned relatives, and local residents combing through the rubble to locate any survivors still trapped.