Delhi, July 28, 2024 – In a tragic incident, the Delhi Police have detained the coordinator of Rau’s IAS centre in Old Rajinder Nagar and the building owner after flooding in its basement led to the deaths of three students, including two women. This follows the registration of a criminal case once search and rescue operations concluded early Sunday. Protests erupted outside the centre, with students demanding immediate action against those responsible.
The flooding occurred after a nearby drain burst, rapidly filling the basement of the coaching centre, which housed a library for self-study. The PUSA weather station reported 31.5 mm of rain between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm on Saturday. Eyewitnesses stated that the basement filled with 10-12 feet of water almost instantly, trapping the students. A call to 112 was made when the flooding began, but traffic jams delayed the rescuers. Delhi Minister Atishi has called for a magisterial enquiry report from the Chief Secretary within 24 hours.
The victims have been identified as Navin Dalwin from Kerala, Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar, and Tanya Soni. The DCP confirmed that a case has been lodged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the coaching centre, the building management, and the firm responsible for managing the drainage system.
Political Reactions and Blame Game
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has ordered citywide action against coaching centres violating building bye-laws by operating commercial activities in basements. Meanwhile, the BJP has sharply criticized the AAP government over the incident. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj blamed the AAP administration, claiming that local appeals for drain cleaning were ignored by the AAP MLA from Rajinder Nagar, Durgesh Pathak.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described the incident as “heartbreaking,” offering her condolences to the families of the deceased. She criticized the negligence and mismanagement that led to the deaths, demanding accountability and rectification of illegal and life-threatening constructions in areas where competitive students reside.
Rescue operations have been completed, but the aftermath continues to unfold as authorities investigate the causes and responsibilities. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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