Civil Services Aspirants Demand Justice with Hunger Strike After Coaching Centre Tragedy

Civil services aspirants have initiated an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar area. This protest follows the tragic death of three students in the flooded basement of Raus IAS Study Circle building. Over 400 students have been demonstrating for three days, with heavy police presence.

A student involved in the protest stated that ten aspirants began the hunger strike to ensure their demands are met. These demands include Rs 5 crore compensation for the victims' families. "We had a brief hope that the administration would listen to us, we would be heard by the UPSC Union Public Service Commission coaching lobby, the authorities but after four days we have realised that this protest is going nowhere," said a woman student sitting on the hunger strike. "We are not taken seriously. Just because we are aspirants, they think that we will break and after some days we will go back to our studies. We are here to make sure that justice is served," she added.

Protesters' Demands

The students are also asking for details of the FIR filed, a committee report within a specified time, and a ban on using basements for libraries and classes in Delhi. Another protester highlighted these points, emphasising the need for immediate action.

The incident occurred on July 27 when heavy rain caused water from a flooded drain to rush into the basement of Raus IAS Study Circle building. The basement housed a library where the three UPSC aspirants were present at the time.

Authorities' Response

Deputy Commissioner of Police Central M Harsha Vardhan mentioned that the police are engaging with the students daily to understand their issues. "We are interacting with them daily and are understanding the problems they face. We are also writing to the authorities concerned regarding their problems," he said.

Additionally, a delegation of students met Lt Governor VK Saxena to present their demands. The authorities have yet to respond to these demands publicly.

The students remain determined to continue their protest until their demands are addressed adequately. They believe that only through persistent efforts can justice be achieved for the victims' families and future safety ensured for all students in similar facilities.

The ongoing protest highlights significant concerns about safety standards in educational facilities and the responsiveness of authorities to such incidents. The students' resolve underscores their commitment to seeking justice and ensuring safer environments for all aspirants.