Here are the full details of the tragic incident at a Delhi coaching centre that resulted in the deaths of three UPSC aspirants, along with the subsequent reactions and actions taken by various authorities and stakeholders:
Incident Details
On July 28, 2024, heavy rains caused severe flooding in the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. This led to the tragic drowning of three civil services aspirants: Tanya Soni, Nevin Dalvin, and Shreya Yadav.
Immediate Response
- Protests and Outrage:
- Students and various organizations staged protests demanding accountability and immediate action. Protests took place outside Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi’s residence and the Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) Secretariat.
- The National Commission for Women (NCW) summoned AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak in connection with the deaths, expressing concern over the neglected appeals for drain cleaning.
- Political Reactions:
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the need for accountability and preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
- BJP leaders, including MP Bansuri Swaraj, called for an independent investigation and criticized the AAP-led Delhi government for negligence.
- Delhi Minister Atishi ordered a magisterial-level inquiry into the incident and demanded a report within 24 hours.
Actions Taken
- Sealing of Coaching Centers:
- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealed 13 coaching centers found to be flouting building bylaws, particularly those operating in basements, including IAS Gurukal, Chahal Academy, and others.
- Investigations and Arrests:
- The Delhi government and central authorities launched thorough investigations into the incident. Several arrests were made, and judicial custody was ordered for five individuals linked to the incident.
- Rau’s IAS Study Circle expressed condolences and committed to fully supporting the investigation.
- Emergency Meetings and Orders:
- The MCD Mayor Shelly Oberoi called for an emergency meeting with officials from the Public Works Department and Delhi Jal Board to address the drainage issues that led to the flooding.
- Lt. Governor VK Saxena directed the divisional commissioner to submit a detailed report on the incident, highlighting the need to address the criminal neglect and lack of basic maintenance that contributed to the tragedy.
Ongoing Issues and Further Actions
- The protest by students continued, demanding safety measures and accountability from the authorities.
- The central government and local authorities are conducting an ongoing probe to ensure comprehensive accountability and preventive steps to avoid future incidents of a similar nature.
For more detailed information, refer to the full articles from Hindustan Times, Outlook India, and The New Indian Express.