NEW DELHI, Sep 08, 2026 — The family of 19-year-old Arpit, one of seven people killed when a boys’ paying-guest accommodation collapsed in Satya Niketan, has donated his corneas, relatives said on Tuesday, turning their personal tragedy into a gesture of hope for others.
Arpit, a second-year student at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, was pulled from the rubble after the three-storey building came down around 1:30 pm on Sunday while repair work was underway. Twelve people were rescued from the debris, but seven — including Arpit — died.
The young student had returned to Delhi from his hometown in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday morning after celebrating Rakshabandhan with his family. His mother, who had earlier pleaded with him not to return, lost consciousness when she saw his body and was admitted to AIIMS for treatment, family members said.
Overwhelmed by grief, Arpit’s family chose to donate his corneas so that a part of him could help others regain sight, relatives added. Friends described Arpit as an enthusiastic student who was looking forward to returning to college and had planned to attend a concert with them.
Authorities have arrested the building owner, identified as Hariram Gupta, who was apprehended in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, on Monday. Delhi Police have registered a case against the owner and others connected to the property. A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered.
In related developments, five municipal officials have been suspended and the court has ordered a high-level inquiry into the collapse amid mounting questions over building safety and enforcement of regulations in the capital.