An initial investigation into the tragic deaths of three civil service aspirants at a coaching centre in Delhi has uncovered significant safety violations, including the absence of a proper drainage system and the illegal use of a basement for commercial activities. These infractions have been identified as key factors leading to the fatal incident.
Key Developments:
- Arrests and Charges: The Delhi Police have arrested Abhishek Gupta, the owner of the coaching centre, and Deshpal Singh, the coordinator of Rau’s IAS Study Circle. Both have been booked for culpable homicide and other charges. An FIR has been registered at the Rajinder Nagar police station under sections 105 (culpable homicide) and 290 (negligent conduct concerning building maintenance) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- Sealing of Premises: By Sunday night, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had sealed the basements of several coaching centres and commercial establishments, including IAS Gurukul, Chahal Academy, Plutus Academy, and others. These actions were taken in response to the discovery that many of these basements were being used illegally for activities other than parking and storage, as specified in their building plans approved by the MCD in 2021.
- Investigation Findings: According to the FIR, Abhishek Gupta admitted that there was no drainage system in the basement of Rau’s IAS coaching centre, which led to the deaths. A senior official revealed that the probe has so far pointed to two main reasons for the incident: the failure of civic authorities to clear roadside drains before the monsoon and the absence of water drainage provisions in the basement where a library was illegally operating.
- Rescue and Casualties: More than 35 people, including students and staff, were trapped when water flooded the basement following heavy rain on Saturday evening. Despite rescue efforts, three aspirants lost their lives due to the rapid influx of water.
- Public Outcry and Protests: The tragedy has sparked widespread protests among civil services aspirants, who have taken to the streets in Old Rajinder Nagar and near the Karol Bagh Metro Station, demanding justice. Their demonstrations have caused traffic disruptions and required police intervention.
- Political Reactions: The Congress party has called for accountability, with Rahul Gandhi emphasizing that ordinary citizens are bearing the brunt of institutional irresponsibility. The BJP has demanded the registration of cases against the responsible officers and called for the resignation of Delhi’s water minister Atishi and local AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak. In contrast, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has advocated for a crackdown on illegal commercial operations in basements throughout the city. Senior AAP leader Durgesh Pathak condemned such practices and warned that without proactive measures, similar incidents are likely to recur.
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