Three civil service aspirants tragically lost their lives after the basement of a coaching center in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar area flooded due to heavy rain. The incident took place at the Rau's IAS Study Circle, a prominent coaching institute for civil service exam preparation. Following this unfortunate event, authorities have launched a criminal investigation, resulting in the detention of two individuals.
Senior police officer M. Harshavardhan confirmed the initiation of a criminal case and the involvement of forensic teams in gathering evidence. "We are dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring justice is served," Harshavardhan stated.
The Delhi Fire Department received a distress call around 7 pm, reporting that the basement was submerged and that people might be trapped inside. The basement, used as a library by the students, filled with water rapidly, leading to the entrapment of those inside.
Rescue efforts were swiftly undertaken by Delhi Police, fire officials, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The teams worked tirelessly to recover the victims' bodies from the flooded basement. The deceased were identified as Tania Soni (25), Shreya Yadav (25), and Nevin Dalwin (28), all of whom were preparing for their civil service exams.
Efforts to pump out the water from the basement continued, and ropes were employed to assist other students who were trapped by the rapidly rising water and obstructive floating furniture.
The incident has sparked protests among students and the local community, condemning the inadequate safety measures that led to this tragedy. Students demanded accountability and better infrastructure to prevent such incidents in the future. The outpouring of grief and anger highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by students in the area during the monsoon season.
Delhi Minister Atishi has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, promising swift action and accountability for those responsible. "This tragic incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures in all educational institutions," Atishi stated.
In the wake of the tragedy, local political figures, including Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj, visited the site. They criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for alleged negligence in maintaining local infrastructure. Sachdeva and Swaraj called for immediate improvements to prevent future incidents.
This tragedy comes on the heels of another rain-induced incident, where 26-year-old civil service aspirant Nilesh Rai was electrocuted in Patel Nagar. These incidents have raised significant public safety concerns during the monsoon season in Delhi. The city's infrastructure and safety protocols are under scrutiny, as residents demand better management and preventive measures.
The drowning of three young aspirants in the flooded basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle is a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety standards and infrastructure in educational institutions. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Tania Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Nevin Dalwin, hoping that their tragic deaths will lead to meaningful changes to prevent such incidents in the future.