Three civil service aspirants tragically lost their lives in a flooded basement at a Delhi coaching center. This heartbreaking incident has sparked a wave of outrage and raised questions about safety measures and infrastructure in the city. Here’s an in-depth look at what happened and the ongoing reactions.
The Incident: A Devastating Flood
On a rainy Saturday evening, heavy downpours led to severe waterlogging in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi. The Rao IAS Study Centre, located in the area, became the site of a tragic mishap. Around 7 PM, the Delhi Fire Department received an urgent call about waterlogging at the center. A swift rescue operation ensued, involving multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and the fire brigade.
Despite these efforts, three students—two girls and one boy—could not be saved. The first body, that of a female student, was recovered around 10:30 PM. The second female student’s body was found at 11:15 PM, and the male student’s body was retrieved post-midnight. The police have since registered a criminal case for causing death due to negligence.
Eyewitness Accounts: A Horrific Experience
The water rapidly filled the basement of the coaching center, creating a dire situation. Students described the event as “horrific” and unlike anything they had ever imagined. Many had to scramble for safety, with some narrowly escaping the rising waters. Rahul Pawar, a 29-year-old UPSC aspirant, recounted the force of the water causing the building’s gate to collapse, allowing water to gush into the basement housing the library.
Students and their families were left anxiously seeking information as officials worked tirelessly to manage the scene. The building was barricaded, and water was being pumped out, but the delay and the circumstances have left many in shock and mourning.
The Aftermath: Outrage and Accountability
The tragic incident has highlighted longstanding issues with Delhi’s infrastructure, particularly in flood-prone areas. Many students voiced their frustration over the poor drainage system and lack of safety measures at the coaching centers, which charge hefty fees but seemingly lack basic safety provisions.
Shashank Sharma, a 22-year-old student at Vision IAS, expressed his anger over the situation, stating that despite paying significant fees, the institutes failed to ensure student safety. This sentiment was echoed by many others, including Harsh Deshmukh, 23, who criticized the constant waterlogging in the area.
Political Reactions: Blame and Demands for Action
The incident quickly became a political issue, with leaders across parties blaming the Delhi government for negligence. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP government, alleging corruption and inadequate maintenance of city infrastructure. He highlighted previous incidents of electrocution deaths due to poor drainage and demanded accountability.
Bansuri Swaraj, a Member of Parliament, emphasized that the public had repeatedly urged local authorities to desilt the drains, which could have prevented such flooding. She lamented the loss of young lives and held the state government responsible for the tragedy.
Swati Maliwal, a Member of Rajya Sabha, expressed her condolences and called for accountability in a post on social media, demanding justice for the victims’ families.
Latest Developments: Protests and Legal Actions
As the rescue operations concluded, a group of students staged a protest against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), demanding immediate action to address the recurring waterlogging issues. They highlighted that most libraries in coaching centers are located in basements, making them vulnerable during heavy rains.
Police have urged students to refrain from protests at the rescue site to avoid hampering ongoing operations. Meanwhile, a criminal case has been registered, and two individuals have been detained in connection with the incident. The police are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and accountability for the deaths.
Government Response: Promises of Investigation
In response to the growing outrage, Delhi Minister Atishi assured that those responsible would face consequences. She stated that a magistrate has been ordered to investigate the incident thoroughly and that updates were being monitored closely.
Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder and a Call for Change
The deaths of three aspiring civil servants in a Delhi coaching center’s flooded basement are a tragic reminder of the city’s infrastructural challenges. As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and accountability. The voices of the students and their demands for a safer environment must be heard to prevent such tragedies in the future.