Delhi IAS Coaching Centre Flooding: Owner Admits Negligence

A tragic incident occurred at a Delhi IAS coaching centre when severe flooding in its basement led to the deaths of three Civil Service aspirants. The primary investigation revealed significant negligence in maintaining a proper drainage system, which played a crucial role in this disaster.

Investigation Findings:

The flood at the Rau’s IAS Circle, located in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, has raised serious concerns. The primary investigation has disclosed that the basement, which was used as a library, lacked essential drainage facilities. Abhishek Gupta, the owner of the coaching centre, has acknowledged this critical oversight. The basement was situated approximately eight feet below ground level, compounding the issue of water accumulation.

Negligence in Drainage System:

According to the FIR, the road outside the coaching centre also lacked an adequate drainage system. This deficiency caused water from the road to overflow into the basement, endangering the lives of students trapped inside. The floodwater reached a height of three feet, including silt, during the rescue operation. Gupta was unable to produce necessary documents during questioning, proving the library’s unauthorized use.

Regulatory Failures:

The Delhi Fire Department revealed that the basement was only authorized for storage use, not as a library. Police have filed a case against Gupta and other individuals responsible for building management and drainage. Families of the victims have accused the institute of negligence, highlighting that prior instances of flooding had been reported.

Municipal Response:

In response to the incident, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has initiated action against coaching centres for violating norms. A high-level committee will investigate the flooding incident, and student protests have called for accountability from both the coaching centre authorities and government officials.

The tragedy underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and adherence to building regulations in educational institutions. The authorities’ investigation and the ongoing protests reflect the urgent demand for justice and improved safety standards.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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