Delhi Coaching Deaths Lead to Arrests; Lack of Safety Measures Cited

Three civil services aspirants lost their lives at a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, central Delhi, due to the absence of a drainage system and safety measures. The basement, used for commercial activities against norms, flooded after heavy rain. The Delhi Police arrested the owner and coordinator of the coaching centre, Raus IAS Study Circle, on charges of culpable homicide.

Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Navin Dalwin from Kerala were the victims. They died when the basement of the coaching institute flooded. Allegedly, several people got trapped in the basement due to a malfunctioning biometric entry-exit system. The coaching centre had permission to use the basement as a storeroom but was using it as a library.

Political Reactions and Blame Game

The incident sparked political reactions with BJP and Congress blaming the AAP government. BJP president Virendra Sachdeva called it murder and demanded Rs 3 crore compensation for each victim's family. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed their condolences and criticised institutional irresponsibility.

Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena ordered a report on the deaths, citing criminal neglect by concerned agencies. He assured that those responsible would face consequences. Meanwhile, AAP leader Durgesh Pathak condemned illegal commercial operations in basements and called for strict action to prevent future incidents.

Protests and Public Outcry

Hundreds of civil services aspirants protested in the area, blocking roads near Karol Bagh Metro Station. They demanded justice for the victims, leading to traffic disruptions and police intervention. Some protesters were detained after a scuffle with police but were later released.

At the RML Hospital mortuary, families and friends of the deceased were inconsolable. Dharmender Yadav, uncle of Shreya Yadav, recounted his futile attempts to contact her after learning about the incident through news channels. Shreya had joined the coaching centre in May after completing her BSc in agriculture.

Investigation and Legal Actions

An FIR was registered under sections 105 (culpable homicide) and 290 (negligent conduct) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police formed multiple teams to investigate the incident's cause. Initial findings indicated that civic authorities failed to clear roadside drains before monsoon, leading to waterlogging.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials revealed that the coaching centre's building plan was approved in 2021. However, its completion certificate specified that the basement could only be used for parking and storage. The illegal use of the basement as a library contributed to the tragedy.

Statements from Authorities

Delhi Fire Services Chief Atul Garg stated that the coaching institute had disclosed using the basement as a storeroom to obtain a fire NOC. However, it was being used as a classroom or library, violating safety norms. The storm drains in Old Rajinder Nagar were clogged with silt, causing overflow during heavy rains.

Raus IAS Study Circle expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations. In their statement, they said: "RAUs IAS Study Circle is fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigations into this tragic incident."

Victims' Backgrounds

Tanya Soni, aged 21 from Telangana but originally from Bihar's Aurangabad, was a student at Delhi University (DU). She had joined the coaching institute one-and-a-half months ago and stayed at Maharaja Agrasen College's girls' hostel. Her father works in a mining company in Telangana.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Durgesh Pathak to appear before it on August 2 regarding this incident. Locals complained about encroachers covering storm drains meant to carry away excess water after heavy rains.

Several videos went viral on social media showing students trying to escape flooding in the basement. One video showed the main entry gate collapsing under excessive rainwater pressure on Saturday evening.

The tragic event highlights severe negligence by various authorities and calls for immediate action to prevent such incidents in future. Families of victims demand accountability and justice for their loved ones lost due to systemic failures.