Delhi, July 29, 2024 – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sealed the basements of 13 IAS coaching centres in Old Rajinder Nagar following the tragic deaths of three civil services aspirants. Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Navin Dalwin from Kerala lost their lives when the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle flooded during heavy rain.
Key Findings and Arrests
- The Delhi Police have arrested Abhishek Gupta, owner of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, and coordinator Deshpal Singh, charging them with culpable homicide.
- The initial investigation revealed that the absence of a drainage system and the illegal commercial use of the basement led to the fatal flooding.
- Over 35 people were trapped in the basement during the incident.
Sealed Coaching Centres
The MCD sealed the following coaching centres’ basements for violating building bylaws:
- IAS Gurukul
- Chahal Academy
- Plutus Academy
- Sai Trading
- IAS Setu
- Topper’s Academy
- Dainik Samvad
- Civils Daily IAS
- Career Power
- 99 Notes
- Vidya Guru
- Guidance IAS
- Easy for IAS
Protests and Political Reactions
- Hundreds of civil services aspirants protested in Old Rajinder Nagar and Karol Bagh, demanding justice.
- The Congress and BJP called for accountability and action against negligent officials.
- AAP demanded a crackdown on illegal commercial activities in basements across Delhi.
Official Statements
- MCD confirmed the coaching centre had an approved building plan stating the basement was for parking and storage only.
- The Delhi Police have formed multiple teams to investigate the incident further.
This crackdown comes after civic authorities failed to clear roadside drains, contributing to the basement flooding. Authorities and political leaders emphasize the need for strict enforcement of building regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
