Two days after a tragic incident in which three IAS aspirants died due to waterlogging in the basement of a Delhi coaching centre, authorities have begun the process of revoking the building’s fire safety clearance. This action is part of a larger crackdown on coaching centres in Delhi’s Rajinder Nagar area that have been found to be violating safety regulations.
In response to the basement flooding, which resulted in the deaths of civil service aspirants Tania Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Navin Delvin, the fire department has discovered discrepancies in the information provided by the coaching centre, Rau’s IAS Study Circle. Initially, the coaching centre had been issued a fire safety certificate on July 9, with the condition that the basement should be used in accordance with building regulations.
Atul Garg, Director of the Delhi Fire Service, revealed that during a recent inspection, the centre misrepresented the basement’s use. The coaching centre had claimed that the basement was utilized for storage, but the inspection team found it equipped with books and tables. Garg confirmed that the centre’s misrepresentation has led to a recommendation for the cancellation of the building’s No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The MCD had earlier approved the basement for parking or storage only, in accordance with its certificate. The fire safety department’s certificate had also emphasized compliance with fire safety requirements and proper use of the basement per building bye-laws, including adequate drainage and emergency exits.
The incident occurred on a Saturday when heavy rains caused the basement to flood, trapping about twenty students inside. While most students were rescued, three individuals drowned in the floodwaters.
The tragedy has led to widespread protests and political criticism, particularly targeting the Aam Aadmi Party, which governs Delhi and oversees the MCD. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has ordered an investigation into the incident to determine if any MCD officials were negligent. She has also announced that legal action will be taken against all coaching centres found to be in violation of the law.
In connection with the case, seven people, including the coaching centre’s owner and the building’s proprietor, have been arrested. They face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and causing death by negligence.
