Delhi coaching centre incident: Owner, coordinator sent to 14-day judicial custody

PTI, 29 July 2024, New Delhi: A court on Sunday sent to 14-day judicial custody the owner and coordinator of Rau's IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar where three civil services aspirants died after flooding in its basement.

The coaching centre owner Abhishek Gupta and coordinator Deshpal Singh were produced before a magisterial court, which remanded the duo in 14 days judicial custody.

Police have registered an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 105 (culpable homicide), 106(1) (death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide), 115(2) (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt)and 290 (negligent conduct with respect to pulling down, repairing or constructing buildings).

Outlook and Agencies: 

MCD Seals 13 'Illegal' Centres In Old Rajinder Nagar

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has started action against illegal coaching centres and will set up a high-level committee to probe the flooding of the basement of a coaching institute which led to three civil services aspirants' deaths, an official said on Sunday.

A team of the civic body reached the Old Rajinder Nagar area to seal several illegally-run basements of coaching centres, a statement by the Delhi government said.

Around 13 such coaching centres were sealed during the action till late Sunday night.

These included IAS Gurukul, Chahal Academy, Plutus Academy, Sai Trading, IAS Setu, Topper's Academy, Dainik Samvad, Civils Daily IAS, Career Power, 99 Notes, Vidya Guru, Guidance IAS, and Easy for IAS.

Students Allege Malfunctioning Biometric System Caused Flooding

There has been no official word from police but some students alleged that the incident took place after several people got trapped in the basement due to malfunctioning of entry-exit biometric system.

According to the FIR, Gupta accepted that there was no drainage system in the basement, which resulted in the death of three people.

A senior official privy to the investigation said the probe so far has indicated two main reasons for the incident -- civic authorities failed to clear the roadside drain before the onset of monsoon and there was no provision for draining out water in the basement where a library was running illegally.

Basement Did Not Have Permit For A Library

According to the officials, the three-storey coaching institute, surrounded by residential and commercial establishments, had permission to use the basement as a store room, but it was being used as library in violation of the rules.

Old Rajinder Nagar Drains Blocked By Encroachers

The official further said that the storm drains built to carry away excess water after heavy rains in the Old Rajinder Nagar area were covered by encroachers.

The drains in the area were heavily clogged with silt and overflowed leading to a flood-like situation due to the rains that lashed parts of Delhi on Saturday, locals complained.

Rau's Study Circle Issues Statement, Vows To Support Investigation

The coaching centre at whose establishment three students died due to rain-induced flooding in the basement on Sunday condoled the loss of young lives and said they are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation.

"In light of the recent tragic event involving the students of Rajendra Nagar Rau's IAS Study Circle, Rau's IAS Study Circle extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased students, Tanya Soni, Nevin Dalvin, and Shreya Yadav. Our thoughts are profoundly with the families during this incredibly difficult time," read the statement.

In the statement, the institute said they "are deeply saddened by the loss of these promising young individuals who were preparing to serve our nation with dedication and commitment".

"RAU's IAS Study Circle is fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigations into this tragic incident. We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and agencies to ensure that all necessary information is provided and that the investigation proceeds with the utmost diligence," read the statement.

NCW Summons AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned AAP MLA from Delhi's Rajinder Nagar Durgesh Pathak over the incident where three students, including two women, lost their lives due to flooding in the basement of a coaching centre in the area.

The NCW, in a post, said it has taken cognizance of the coaching centre incident where three students died in the Old Rajinder Nagar area of the national capital.

"Allegations of ignored appeals for drain cleaning are concerning. A hearing is scheduled on 02.08.2024 at 12:30 pm. Notice has been given and Durgesh Pathak, MLA Rajinder Nagar, has been directed to appear in person. Non-compliance will result in appropriate action," it said.

Four Wheeler Triggers Rainwater To Gush Into Basement Of Rau's IAS Study Circle

One such clip shows the road in front of the coaching centre flooded with rainwater and some students across the road are huddled together at a vantage point. There is chaotic scene outside the building, with bikes and food carts seen submerged in the floodwater on the road.

At that moment, a four-wheeler is seen moving fast on the flooded road. The gates of the coaching centre break due to the ripple effect and the flood water gushes in the basement. The students standing across the road scream in desperation at the potential havoc.

The water rushes in and quickly fills the basement, leaving little time for those inside to react.

Delhi Fire Services official told media that they had given NOC for storage and parking for the basement in Rau's IAS Study Circle.