Delhi Tragedy: Flooding at Coaching Centre Claims Lives of Aspirants

Two civil services aspirants lost their lives, and another remains missing after heavy rain caused flooding in the basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, central Delhi, on Saturday evening. Officials reported that the basement of Raus IAS Study Circle became inundated following the downpour.

According to the Delhi Fire Department (DFS), they received a call around 7 pm about waterlogging at the coaching institute. The caller indicated that some individuals might be trapped inside. "We are investigating how the entire basement was flooded. It appeared that the basement got flooded very fast due to which some people were trapped inside," DCP Central Delhi M Harshavardhan informed reporters.

Rescue Operations and Immediate Response

A fire department official stated that five tenders were dispatched to the location immediately. Upon arrival, they found the basement completely submerged. During the rescue operation conducted by the NDRF, local police, and fire department, two female students' bodies were recovered from the site. However, one student is still unaccounted for.

The rescue efforts continued past midnight as authorities worked tirelessly to locate the missing individual. Revenue Minister Atishi directed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within 24 hours regarding the incident.

Political Reactions and Blame

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj visited the site and criticised the AAP administration for negligence. They claimed that repeated appeals by locals to clean the drains had been ignored by the local MLA. "Delhi Government's criminal negligence is responsible for this mishap. Jal Board Minister Atishi and local MLA Durgesh Pathak should take responsibility and resign," Sachdeva stated.

Swaraj added that divers had to be called in for the rescue operation. She accused Arvind Kejriwal, Durgesh Pathak, and the AAP government of being entirely responsible for the incident due to their inaction on local complaints about drainage issues.

Details of Flooding Incident

Preliminary investigations revealed that the basement housed a library where several students were present when water began flooding in suddenly. Officials used ropes to evacuate those trapped inside. The floating furniture created obstacles during the rescue operation, complicating efforts further.

Earlier this week, a 26-year-old civil services aspirant was electrocuted after touching an iron gate with electricity running through it following heavy rain in Patel Nagar, central Delhi. BJP leader Manjinder Sirsa claimed that 18 people were still trapped in Old Rajinder Nagar's flooded basement, though there was no official confirmation of this number.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to determine how this incident occurred. "Whoever is responsible for this incident will not be spared," Atishi posted on X.

This tragic event highlights ongoing issues with infrastructure and emergency response in Delhi during heavy rains. The investigation will aim to uncover lapses and ensure accountability for those responsible.