Delhi Coaching Centre Basement Flooding: Police Investigate

Delhi Coaching Centre Basement Flooding: Police Investigate Two Theories

On early Sunday, July 28, 2024, a tragic incident occurred at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar. The basement of the IAS coaching centre, used as a library, was flooded, resulting in the deaths of three students. The police are now investigating the cause of the flooding, focusing on two main theories.

Theory 1: High Water Pressure Breaching Steel Sheds

Initial investigations suggest that during heavy rainfall, the water pressure outside might have been so intense that it breached the steel sheds installed at the entrance. This could have allowed water to flood the basement rapidly, trapping the students inside.

Theory 2: Gate Opened for Car, Allowing Water In

Another theory under investigation is whether the gate of the coaching centre was opened to allow a car to exit. This action might have let water flow into the basement, causing the severe flooding.

Legal and Administrative Actions:

The police have arrested the owner and the coordinator of the coaching centre, charging them with culpable homicide and negligence. The victims have been identified as Tania Soni (25), Shreya Yadav (25), and Nevin Dalwin (28).

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has demanded action against all coaching centres operating from basements, citing violations of building bye-laws. The Delhi Fire Department noted that the coaching centre had only received a no-objection certificate (NOC) for storage use, not for educational purposes.

Historical Context and Compliance Issues:

Previously, coaching institutes in Delhi were not required to obtain a fire NOC. However, following a fire incident last year in Mukherjee Nagar, a court-ordered survey mandated fire safety checks for these institutes. Many coaching centres in Old Rajinder Nagar lack the necessary fire NOC, raising serious safety concerns.

The Delhi Municipal Corporation is also investigating whether coaching centres are adhering to commercial building regulations, particularly concerning basement use.

This unfortunate incident highlights the urgent need for stricter adherence to safety regulations and building codes in Delhi’s educational institutions. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the exact cause of the flooding and ensure such tragedies do not recur.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio