- By Vivek Raj
- Sun, 28 Jul 2024 11:22 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi Coaching Centre Flooding: The death of three civil service aspirants after being trapped in the flooded basement of Rau’s IAS coaching center in Old Rajendra Nagar has sparked a massive protest by students. The basement, housing the institute's library, flooded following a heavy downpour and there was only one entry exit. Paramilitary forces have been called in to keep the situation under control as the students are protesting against municipal authorities for negligence.
How The Incident Happened
Access to the basement was controlled by a biometric authentication system. When the basement flooded, the power supply was disrupted, causing the biometric system to stop working. This malfunction trapped the students in the library as water rushed in. At the time, at least 20 students were in the library.
Who Are the 3 IAS Aspirants Killed?
The three deceased students have been identified as:
- Shreya Yadav from Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Tanya Soni from Telangana
- Nivin Dalwin from Ernakulam, Kerala
A case has been registered under sections 105, 106 (1), 115 (2), 290, and 35 of the Indian Penal Code against Rau's IAS coaching institute, the building's management, and those responsible for maintaining the drainage system. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) M Harshavardhan confirmed that a criminal case has been filed, and detained the owner and coordinator of Rau’s IAS Study Circle. Forensic teams are investigating the incident.
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Student Protests
Students allege that the main culprits are the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the institute's director. "MCD calls it a disaster, but I say this is negligence. Knee-deep water gathers in half an hour of rain," a student told ANI.
Security personnel stand guard near a UPSC exam coaching centre after three civil services aspirants died. (PTI Photo)
Delhi Mayor's Action
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi termed the incident "very shocking" and called for a thorough investigation and swift action. She has directed the MCD commissioner to take strict action against coaching centers operating in basements that violate building bye-laws. An inquiry will be launched to identify if any MCD officers are responsible for the incident.
AAP-BJP Blame Game
The BJP has criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, which also controls the MCD. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva alleged that local MLA Durgesh Pathak ignored repeated appeals to get drains cleaned. Pathak countered by questioning the BJP's actions over the past 15 years.
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BJP leader and MP from New Delhi Bansuri Swaraj said, “People were continuously asking the MLA to clean the Rajendra Nagar naala. But no one heard them. That’s the reason for this catastrophe. Durgesh Pathak was called, texted, pleaded with, but the drain was not cleaned. Electrocution of students, then drowning of students. They have come here to study and this is what they are getting from the AAP government.”