Delhi University Students’ Union campaigner recalls pulling students from Satya Niketan building collapse rubble
A DUSU election campaigner describes his experience as a first responder during a fatal building collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan area. He recounts the rescue efforts and highlights concerns regarding the safety and legality of student accommodations in the region.
Why it matters
The incident raises critical questions about urban safety standards and the regulation of unauthorized student housing in major Indian cities.
Krishna Bhardwaj, a first responder from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh who was in Delhi campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, was among those who rushed to the site after the building collapsed on Sunday (September 6, 2026). He said he and around 25-30 members of his team began pulling students out of the debris even before police and fire personnel arrived.
“We were among the first to reach the spot. There were no police or fire personnel present when we started the rescue,” he said, adding that his team alone managed to rescue four people from the rubble.
One rescue attempt has stayed with him. Mr. Bhardwaj said he was pulling a student out of the debris when the boy held his hand and pleaded, “Bhaiya, please mujhe bacha lo” (Brother, please save me).
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