Image Source: indianexpress.com
Three civil service aspirants tragically lost their lives when a basement at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar area flooded due to heavy rain. The incident, which occurred at a coaching center, prompted the initiation of a criminal case and the detention of two individuals for their involvement.
Senior police officer M. Harshavardhan reported, “A criminal case has been registered, and forensic teams are currently collecting evidence. We are committed to a thorough investigation to ensure justice.”
The Delhi Fire Department responded to an emergency call around 7 pm, indicating that the basement, which was being used as a library, was submerged and individuals might be trapped. DCP Harshavardhan explained that the rapid flooding likely led to the victims becoming trapped.
Rescue efforts by the Delhi Police, fire officials, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) successfully recovered the bodies of the deceased, who were identified as Tania Soni (25), Shreya Yadav (25), and Nevin Dalwin (28). Efforts to pump out the water from the flooded basement continued, with ropes used to assist trapped students and navigate through the obstructive floating furniture.
The incident sparked protests among students, who criticized the inadequate safety measures that contributed to the tragedy. Delhi Minister Atishi has called for a magisterial inquiry, promising accountability and prompt action against those responsible.
In the wake of the disaster, local political figures, including Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and MP Bansuri Swaraj, visited the site and criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for alleged negligence, particularly regarding the maintenance of local infrastructure.
This tragedy occurred shortly after another civil service aspirant, 26-year-old Nilesh Rai, was electrocuted during a rain-induced incident in Patel Nagar, underscoring ongoing public safety concerns during the monsoon season.
