On July 27, 2024, three UPSC aspirants lost their lives after being trapped in a flooded basement library. This heartbreaking event has not only led to a series of investigations but also prompted public protests, highlighting the negligence of the Delhi government and civic authorities. The incident has exposed the inadequacies in the city’s emergency response and infrastructure planning, making it a critical point of discussion among the public and media.
Chronology of Events
- July 27, 2024: The tragic drowning of three students at Rau’s IAS centre.
- July 28-29, 2024: Widespread student protests and public outcry.
- July 30, 2024: Delhi Police arrest seven individuals, including Rau’s CEO and coordinator.
- August 1, 2024: Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court grants bail to Manuj Kathuria.
- August 2, 2024: The Delhi High Court orders the transfer of the investigation to the CBI, citing concerns over the Delhi Police’s investigation.
Explaining the Incident
On the fateful day, three students—Tanya Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Nivin Dalwin—were studying in the basement library of Rau’s IAS center when heavy rains caused a sudden influx of water. The students, who were diligently preparing for the UPSC exams, found themselves trapped as the basement rapidly filled with water. The water level rose so quickly that the students had no chance to escape, resulting in their tragic drowning. The incident occurred in Old Rajinder Nagar, a hub for IAS coaching in Delhi, raising concerns about the safety of thousands of students residing and studying in similar conditions.
The Delhi Police quickly took action, arresting seven individuals in connection with the incident, including the CEO of Rau’s, Abhishek Gupta, and coordinator, Deshpal Singh. These arrests were made following a thorough investigation that revealed lapses in safety protocols and infrastructure maintenance. The SUV driver, Manuj Kathuria, initially linked to the case, was released on bail following his arrest, raising further questions about the handling of the case and the accountability of those involved. The legal proceedings have become a focal point of public interest, as they underscore the systemic issues plaguing Delhi’s infrastructure and governance.
Student Protests After the Death of 3 Aspirants in Delhi
The protests, initially sparked by the incident at Rau’s IAS coaching center, quickly grew to encompass broader issues, including poor infrastructure and inadequate safety measures in the city. The protesters, comprising students from various coaching centers and universities, voiced their frustration and anger at the authorities’ failure to ensure basic safety standards. They carried banners and placards with slogans condemning the negligence and demanding justice for the victims.
The demonstrations also targeted the AAP government and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, criticizing their response to the incident. Students demanded immediate action, stricter regulations, and improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The protests highlighted the lack of adequate facilities and emergency preparedness in Delhi’s educational institutions. According to reports, over 5,000 students participated in the protests, blocking major roads and disrupting traffic as a form of civil disobedience.
The involvement of student unions and activist groups added momentum to the protests, which lasted for several days. The protesters called for a complete overhaul of safety regulations in coaching centers and hostels, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and emergency response systems. They also demanded accountability from the Delhi government and civic authorities, holding them responsible for the systemic failures that led to the tragedy.
The role of social media was significant in mobilizing students and raising awareness about the incident. Hashtags like #JusticeForTanyaShreyaNivin and #DelhiIASCoachingDeaths trended on Twitter, amplifying the voices of the protesters and drawing attention to the issue. The protests have sparked a broader conversation about the safety and well-being of students in Delhi, with many calling for a comprehensive review of the city’s infrastructure and governance.
The incident has become a rallying point for students and activists, who are determined to hold the authorities accountable and ensure a safer environment for all.
The Role of MCD and Delhi Police
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Police have come under severe criticism for their handling of the incident. The Delhi High Court’s division bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigations. The bench highlighted the “criminal negligence” involved, questioning the city’s civic planning and the functionality of stormwater drains. The Delhi Tis Hazari Court ordered the transfer of the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation. The MCD Commissioner admitted in court that the stormwater drains at the site were “dysfunctional,” further exacerbating public outrage.
Delhi Tis Hazari Court Slams Delhi Administration
The Delhi Tis Hazari Court decision to release Manuj Kathuria on bail has sparked controversy and debate. Kathuria, the SUV driver initially linked to the case, was granted bail just days after his arrest, leading to public outcry and questions about the adequacy of the legal proceedings. Many have criticized the court’s decision, viewing it as a lenient approach to a case involving multiple fatalities. The court’s ruling came at a time when public sentiment was already high, with many questioning the efficacy of the Delhi Police’s investigation into the incident. The release of Kathuria has further fueled concerns about whether justice will be adequately served in the case of the Delhi IAS Coaching deaths.
The Delhi Tis Hazari Court also expressed strong disapproval of the Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for their handling of the incident. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and the bench specifically pointed out the “multiplicity” of jurisdictional authorities, which they argued contributed to the inefficiency and delays in addressing the situation. The Delhi Tiz Hazari court highlighted that despite multiple agencies being responsible for the safety and infrastructure of the city, there was a glaring lack of coordination and accountability. The Delhi Tis Hazari Court made remarks that underscored the systemic issues within the city’s governance, emphasizing that these problems were not new but had been ongoing for years, exacerbating public distrust in the authorities. In a scathing critique, Acting Chief Justice Manmohan remarked, “Mercifully, you didn’t challan the water, saying ‘how dare you enter the basement’…,” highlighting the absurdity of the situation and the failure of the authorities to prevent such a tragedy.
Further, the bench criticized the MCD for its precarious financial health, which has hindered the development and maintenance of critical infrastructure. The court noted that the MCD’s limited budget and resources have left many areas in Delhi, including Old Rajinder Nagar where the tragedy occurred, vulnerable to disasters like flooding. The lack of modern infrastructure and proper planning was cited as a significant factor contributing to the incident at Rau’s IAS center. The High Court stressed the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning and investment in infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The court’s observations have added to the growing calls for reform within the Delhi government and civic bodies, as the public seeks accountability and action to address these long-standing issues.
Our Opinion
The Kejriwal Government has done a lot for Delhi. They have built roads, infrastructure, schools, hospitals, hundreds of Mohalla Clinics, and whatnot. Sounds so fantastic, right? Almost like a lie. Oh, no wait, that is precisely what it is. A fierce web of lies that has “MURDERED” 3 innocent students who wanted to dedicate their lives to the nation. Something that these coaching institutes and the laughable MCD are not doing.
The heart-wrenching rain loss of these three aspirants has brought all of them together. They might be competitors when they are sitting for their exams. But they have shown honor in these unnecessary protests which could have been avoided if the MCD had done its job correctly. Losing their lives might just be the service that these three students could have done to change their batchmate’s lives.
The sad part is, that these three students, died accountability. BJP blames AAP, AAP blames the Congress Party, Congress party blames both of them because they don’t know anything better. The truth is that Arti Chawla, the MCD Councillor (AAP) from Rajinder Nagar, has been unreachable since the tragic death of three students in the coaching center basement.
The Mayor of Delhi, Shelly Oberoi is another person whose lies have been exposed on national television. A month before the incident. Shelly Oberoi gave an interview saying that “Delhi will ENJOY Monsoon this season and we will try our level best to any flooding or waterlogging issues that we encounter. She also lied about the ‘desilting’ process of the drainage system. See here
To be honest, we all know what’s going to happen. The owners of these institutes are rich, they will use that money to buy people. They will compensate the families and they will given the same permissions again.
We need a new system for our National Capital. Delhi should not be flooded after half an hour of rain. It is our capital and the incident shows how serious the sitting Kejriwal government and the MCD are about the dire situations of these students.
Stay tuned for regular updates on the topic.
Till then
This is New India
Signing off…
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