3 Aspirants Died in Rau’s IAS Study Circle
In a tragic turn of events, three civil service students lost their lives when the basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajender Nagar, Delhi, flooded following heavy rainfall. The victims, who were studying in the basement library of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, were not able to escape the rising water because of the inadequate drainage systems.
The students in Rau’s IAS Study Circle were named Shreya Yadav, aged 25 (Uttar Pradesh), Tanya Soni, aged 25 (Telangana), and Nevin Dalvin, aged 28 (Kerala). The protesters claimed that the death toll was higher than three. The incident surrounding the death of these students sparked widespread outrage and protests among aspirants along with the general public, which led to a heated debate over the safety standards of coaching centres that operate in the area.
On the evening of July 27, 2024, at Rau’s IAS Study Circle, it was found that there were heavy rains inundated parts of Delhi, including the basement of the Coaching Centre. As per the latest updates, the basement at Rau’s IAS Study Circle was being used as a library, a practice deemed illegal by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). It is because of the lack of proper drainage and emergency exist facilities. Students studying knowing their lives are in danger. Their fear seemed to come true as the sudden influx of water trapped several students inside, and it led to the unimaginable death of three aspirants.
The incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle led to unwanted backlash from the student community. Protesters, including members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), are now seen gathering outside the residence of Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi, who has demanded accountability and better safety measures. Also, the protesters defaced posters and raised their voices, where they are expressing their anger and frustration over the accident.
Authorities, including Delhi Minister Atishi, have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the deaths and demanded a report within 24 hours. Atishi focused on the need for strict action against those responsible for the negligence that led to this tragedy at Rau’s IAS Study Circle, and it shows a commitment that those who are found guilty face severe consequences.
The owner, Abhishek Gupta, of Rau’s IAS Study Circle coaching centre, admitted that the basement lacked a proper drainage system, which resulted in the accumulation of water. He said, “We are offering Rs 50 lakh compensation to the family of each student who has lost their lives. Half the money will be given now”. The MCD has initiated action against several coaching centres running illegally from basements and also a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter carefully. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also blamed the Delhi government for the incident, as he called for accountability.
The incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle was traced to the Delhi High Court. After the hearing, the court handed the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in order to probe the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) aspirants’ tragic death. This decision has led to concerns that probably the local officers are involved in this incident, and if the police themselves inspect this issue, people might not have faith in them.
On July 3, 2024, the Delhi HC directed the MCD Commissioner, the DCP, along with the investigating officer to appear in court on Friday. The court also instructed authorities to clear all encroachments from the Rajender Nagar area drains. The HC emphasized that the systemic issues within the city’s administrative and infrastructural systems require thorough review and action. The court highlighted that water entering the basements during the incident was a result of improper management, and upgrades, where it stated that they were bankrupted and had adopted a freebie culture without investing in necessary infrastructure improvements.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by the NGO Kutumb, has sought the formation of a high-level committee in order to inquire about the incident. The PIL highlights that illegal construction and non-compliance by educational institutions have been ongoing challenges, which worsen the situation of corruption within the departments. Due to this, recurring safety incidents are happening in Delhi.
As a response to this incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle, the HC has expressed its intent to ensure a formal statutory process addresses these complications and has demanded an action plan to prevent similar accidents in the future. The court’s intervention aims to address issues related to waterlogging as well as focus on better safety conditions in commercial and educational buildings in the capital city.
It is a matter of great relief that the cops have not challenged the rainwater flowing in the drain for the death of three civil aspirants who drowned in the basement of a coaching centre. Said the Delhi HC, a swipe over the arrest of an SUV driver who was crossing the area. Manoj Katharia, who faced the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, was arrested for driving on that waterlogged road beside that coaching centre before its basement flooded and was granted bail.
