Delhi IAS Coaching Tragedy: Water Pressure Surge During Speeding, 8 Arrested; BJP Protests MCD
In Delhi’s Old Rajendra Nagar, three students drowned after water filled the basement of the Rau IAS coaching center. The police arrested the coaching owner and coordinator on Sunday in connection with the case. On Monday, police reported the arrest of five more individuals.
Meanwhile, the BJP protested near the AAP headquarters. Despite AAP’s majority in the MCD, the BJP blamed the incident on MCD’s negligence. Delhi police used water cannons to disperse the protesters.
According to news agency ANI, among those arrested was a person who accelerated a car in front of the coaching class, possibly increasing the water pressure and breaking the basement gate. Media reports suggest that water then flooded the library in the basement, leading to the students drowning.
Additionally, encroachments around the drain in Old Rajendra Nagar were cleared using a bulldozer. The MCD also suspended a junior engineer and an assistant engineer. Coaching students continued to protest against the MCD and administration for the second day.
Understanding How the Students Drowned in 6 Points
- On the night of July 27, a power cut caused the biometric gate of the basement library to jam, trapping students inside in the dark.
- Initially, water did not enter the basement because the gate was closed, but the increasing pressure eventually broke the gate.
- Eyewitnesses stated that once the gate broke, water rapidly filled the basement. The flow was so strong that climbing the stairs was impossible.
- Within seconds, water filled up to knee level, forcing students to stand on benches. In just 2-3 minutes, the entire basement was submerged with 10-12 feet of water.
- Ropes were thrown to rescue the students, but the dirty water made the ropes invisible. Benches floating in the water further hindered the rescue efforts.
- Late at night, the bodies of three students were found. Fourteen students were safely rescued with the help of ropes, but there was still 7 feet of water in the basement when the rescue concluded.
Case Reaches Delhi High Court
The National Travelers Forum filed a petition regarding the coaching accident, demanding guidelines for student safety and appropriate compensation in such accidents. The petitioner named the Delhi government, MCD, and Rau IAS coaching as parties in the PIL.
The petition calls for an investigation under the supervision of a retired High Court judge and the formulation of safety guidelines for students coming from other states.
MCD Declares Library Illegal, Only Storage Permitted in Basement
In 2021, MCD issued a certificate to Rau IAS coaching center stating that only storage was allowed in the basement, not any commercial activities. Following the incident, MCD stated that the library was operating illegally. Building plans and fire brigade NOC officials confirmed that the basement was designated for parking and storage.
Actions Taken So Far
Arrest of Seven People Including Owner and Coordinator
Coaching owner Abhishek Gupta and coordinator Deshpal Singh were arrested and sent to 14-day judicial custody. Police stated that an FIR was registered under sections 105, 106(1), 152, 290, and 35 of the BNS, with five other individuals also arrested.
Delhi Government Orders Magisterial Inquiry
Delhi Minister Atishi directed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to initiate a magisterial inquiry and submit a report promptly.
LG Saxena Seeks Report from Divisional Commissioner
LG VK Saxena ordered the Divisional Commissioner to investigate, noting that it appears basic maintenance systems failed. The Divisional Commissioner will present the report by Tuesday.
Action Against Those Operating Coaching in Basements
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi directed the MCD Commissioner to take action against all coaching centers conducting commercial activities in basements. Immediate investigation of MCD officials responsible for the incident was also ordered. By Sunday evening,
MCD Seals 13 Illegal Coaching Centers in Basements
MCD sealed 13 illegally operating coaching centers in basements and issued notices demanding explanations. On Sunday evening, Delhi Municipality locked three basements in Old Rajendra Nagar where similar incidents to Rau IAS could occur.
