On Saturday evening, three UPSC aspirants tragically lost their lives due to rain-induced flooding in the basement of a popular IAS coaching centre in Delhi.
Arrests and Safety Violations
The Delhi Police have arrested seven individuals, including the owner and coordinator of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, in connection with the incident. This tragedy has highlighted significant safety violations, illegal use of basements, and the failure of the drainage system in Delhi.
Illegal Use of the Basement
Rau’s IAS Study Circle building had four floors, a parking space, and a basement. During heavy rainfall, water accumulated in the basement, where 20-25 students were present. The basement, intended as a storeroom, was illegally used as a library. The owner, Abhishek Gupta, could not provide documents for this usage. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi directed strict action against institutes misusing basements for commercial purposes. The Delhi Fire Service also noted violations of fire safety norms as the basement was used as a classroom or library, contrary to the approved use in the fire NOC.
Complaints Ignored
A month before the incident, a UPSC aspirant, Kishor Singh Kushwah, had filed a complaint with the MCD about the illegal use of the basement. Despite his warnings about potential accidents, no action was taken. His complaints remained “under process” until the tragedy occurred.
Lack of Drainage System
According to the FIR, the basement lacked a proper drainage system. Rainwater accumulated on the road and flowed into the basement, endangering the students. Abhishek Gupta admitted there was no drainage system in the basement.
Failure to Clear Drains
Heavy rainfall turned the area into a sinkhole due to uncleared silt. Drain clearing with suction pumps began only after the incident. Students had been requesting drain cleaning for days before the flooding, but no action was taken.
Safety Measures Ignored
Students reported that the coaching centre had a biometric system that locked the doors without fingerprint verification. During the flooding, power was cut off to prevent electrocution, trapping students inside. Additionally, the centre lacked fire exits or emergency exits, another violation of safety norms.
The Incident
The basement flooding occurred at 6:45 pm on Saturday, trapping many students. Videos showed students struggling to escape as water gushed down the stairs. The Delhi Police, Fire Department, and NDRF responded, but it took hours to pump out the water. Sadly, three students—Tanya Soni, 21; Shreya Yadav, 22; and Nevin Davin, 28—died. Abhishek Gupta and coordinator Deshpal Singh were arrested and booked under multiple charges, including culpable homicide and negligence. Five more individuals, including building owners, were later arrested.
Protests and Demands
Relatives of the victims protested at the hospital, demanding to see the bodies and action against the coaching centres. Aspirants called for regulating rents, providing insurance, and preventing waterlogging and electrocution. The government started sealing basements of 13 coaching centres, including Rau’s, for violating norms.
Political Reactions
Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed condolences and criticized the unsafe conditions. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva labeled the incident a “murder” due to corruption and mismanagement. He called for accountability and punishment for those responsible.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and better infrastructure to protect the lives of students and citizens in Delhi.
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