A wave of protests has erupted in Delhi following the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants at Rau’s IAS coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar due to severe flooding on July 27. The incident has ignited outrage among students, who are demanding justice and accountability from coaching centres and authorities.
The protests, which began in Old Rajinder Nagar, have now spread to other coaching hub areas such as Mukherjee Nagar. Model Town sub-divisional magistrate, Rajiv Sinha, met with protesting students in Mukherjee Nagar to hear their demands. The students are calling for strict action against coaching centres, landowners, and officials responsible for the illegal use of basements as well as measures to mitigate waterlogging in the area, which is notorious for its inadequate drainage systems.
The unfortunate incident occurred on a rainy Saturday evening when the basement of Rau’s IAS coaching centre was inundated with rainwater. Authorities received an emergency call at approximately 7:10 pm, prompting a rapid response from the police and fire department. Despite their efforts to pump out the water, divers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had to be called in to reach the trapped students.
In response to the tragedy, the Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a report within 30 days. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has sealed 20 coaching centres for violating basement bylaws.
As the protests continue, students have organized candlelight vigils to honor the memory of the deceased aspirants and to press for their demands. This marks the third day of protests in Old Rajinder Nagar, the epicenter of the tragedy. The demonstrators’ resolve underscores the urgency for systemic changes to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety of students.
