Arpit had returned to Delhi on Sunday morning after spending Rakshabandhan with his family in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. Hours later, the 18-year-old Delhi University student was trapped beneath the rubble of a five-storey PG in Satya Niketan.
As his friends and family waited anxiously through the rescue operation, the search for Arpit continued for more than a day. After his death was confirmed, his family made a decision that would give others the chance to see.
They donated his corneas.
Who Was Arpit?
Arpit was an 18-year-old second-year student at Delhi University's Atma Ram Sanatan Dharam College.
He was from Dewas in Madhya Pradesh and had travelled back to Delhi after spending Rakshabandhan with his family.
According to his friends, Arpit had been looking forward to returning to college. He also had plans to attend a concert with them.
His return to Delhi on Sunday morning would become his final journey.
The Search For Arpit
The building, known as Hostel Daze, collapsed at around 1.30pm on Sunday, 6 September, while repair work was reportedly underway.
People inside were trapped beneath concrete and rubble. Rescue teams worked through the night as relatives and friends tried to find those who were still missing.
Arpit's friends searched for him for hours.
According to a friend quoted by Hindustan Times, the family was eventually informed by AIIMS that a body appeared to match the identity they were looking for. The injuries initially made identification difficult.
Arpit's mother finally identified him through birthmarks on his body.
ALSO WATCH: Trapped In Collapsed Building, Man Shoots Video For Wife
How Arpit’s Family Chose To Give The Gift Of Sight
His father, Bhupendra, said the family had not known about the condition of the PG. “I wish my son had told me before. I would have never let him stay there,” he told Hindustan Times.
Arpit had scored 95% in his Class 12 board exams and had cleared CUET before joining Delhi University’s Atma Ram Sanatan Dharm College. His father said he had been living at the PG for around one-and-a-half years and wanted to study in a big city and fulfil his dreams.
After the postmortem, Arpit’s family donated his corneas. His father, Bhupendra, said the decision meant his son could “see the world” even after his death.
How Many People Died In The Collapse
The final death toll from the Satya Niketan building collapse reached seven.
Five of those killed were students: Abhishek Kumar, Yuvraj Soni, Pawan Kumar, Arpit Jahaj and Akshat Singh Yadav.
Two others, Surinder Singh and Pawan Lal Kori, were labourers.
Five students were injured and rescued. The rescue operation continued for more than 27 hours and ended at around 5.10pm on Monday, after the debris had been cleared.
The changing death toll during the rescue explains why early reports carried lower numbers. It rose from five to six and finally seven as victims succumbed to their injuries and rescuers completed the operation.
What Happened To The Building?
Police are investigating whether unauthorised construction and renovation work weakened the structure.
The FIR alleges that additional floors had been constructed on the nearly 50-year-old building despite concerns about its ability to carry the extra load. Police are also examining renovation work being carried out around the basement and ground-floor shops.
Investigators have said water had accumulated in the basement and that work to address seepage and renovate the premises may have weakened the structure. These remain matters under investigation, rather than a final determination of the cause.
The building reportedly had permission for a ground-plus-one structure, while the collapsed property had a ground floor and four upper floors. The MCD has said the building violated construction norms.
What Legal Action Has Been Taken?
Delhi Police registered an FIR at South Campus police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligent conduct involving buildings and acts endangering life or personal safety.
Building owner Hariram Gupta was initially untraceable but was later arrested in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
His wife, Urmila Gupta, and son, Mahesh Gupta, were subsequently arrested. Police said the property was registered in Urmila's name, while Hariram and Mahesh were involved in running the PG.
A court sent Hariram and Urmila to 14 days' judicial custody and Mahesh to two days' police custody.
The Delhi government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry.
Five MCD officials were suspended following the collapse, while the Delhi High Court has sought a wider examination of responsibility and directed authorities to look into the safety of PGs and hostels.
For Arpit's family, however, the investigation cannot undo what happened.
Their decision to donate his corneas means that even after a tragedy that ended an 18-year-old student's life, they chose to give someone else the possibility of seeing.
TL;DR | News At a Glance
Who was Arpit?
Arpit Jahaj was an 18-year-old second-year student at Delhi University's Atma Ram Sanatan Dharam College from Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.
What happened to him?
He returned to his Satya Niketan PG on the morning of 6 September after spending Rakshabandhan with his family. The five-storey building collapsed around 1:30pm, killing him.
Why did his family donate his corneas?
The family chose to donate his corneas so they could potentially help restore sight to others after his death.
How many people died?
Seven people died in the collapse, including five students and two labourers.
What happened legally?
Police registered an FIR against the building owner and others. Hariram Gupta, his wife Urmila and son Mahesh were arrested. A magisterial inquiry was also ordered, while five MCD officials were suspended.
