The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the inquiry into the deaths of three Civil Services aspirants at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar on July 27.
On July 27, when a drain nearby burst and flooded the basement of an UPSC coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar, three students were allegedly drowned while many others remained trapped.
Following a directive from Delhi High Court on August 2 regarding “the seriousness of incidents and that it may involve corruption by public servants”, the agency initiated First Information Report.
Also, the High Court directed the Central Vigilance Commission to nominate a senior official who will oversee the CBI investigation within a time bound period. Initially, it was being done by Delhi police.
Why did you arrest an SUV driver who was passing near this place instead of arresting this officer who didn’t notice that there is no working stormwater drain here?, said it’s order. The Bench also castigated them for failing to ask any MCD officials concerned with the matter, not even seizing relevant documents from their office.
Question marks have also been raised about Delhi Fire Services’ role in giving clearance to Rau’s IAS Study Circle.
“You have done investigation as to how did they die?…but why couldn’t they come out of basement. It doesn’t get flooded immediately. A basement takes at least two-three minutes before water fills up, it can’t be so fast,” the Bench had remarked during hearing on October 8th last year
Civil Services aspirants in this region protested against this incident. Suo motu cognisance was taken by Supreme Court on August 5th after drowning of three aspirants occurred
“We are not sure as to what effective measures have been taken so far by NCT of Delhi or Union of India. This recent unfortunate incident which claimed lives some young ones joining these coaching centres for their career pursuits is an eye opener for all,” said the Supreme Court.
It has issued for notice to the Centre through the Ministry of Urban Affairs and the Delhi government asking them to bring on record the safety mechanism in place to prevent such deaths and to ensure that coaching centres in the national capital do not expose young lives to danger.
