New Delhi: Following road blockades, a candle march, and ongoing protests, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials Sunday night met with students demanding justice for the three UPSC aspirants who lost their lives Saturday at a coaching institute in a flooding incident. The officials announced an immediate compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and action against unauthorised constructions in the area. The MCD has also sealed at least 13 coaching centers in Old Rajinder Nagar that were operating illegally in basements.
The civil service aspirants had died after a library located illegally in the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, a coaching centre, flooded during heavy rain Saturday night.
The Delhi Police arrested five more individuals Monday in connection with the deaths, bringing the total number of arrests to seven. Those arrested include Abhishek Gupta, the owner, and Deshpal Singh, the coordinator of the coaching institute.
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court by Kutumb, an NGO, and its trustee, Jitender Singh. The PIL seeks the formation of a high-level committee to investigate recent deaths and requests an inquiry into Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officers who allegedly failed to act on a complaint received on 26 June, 2024. Additionally, the plea demands the establishment of high-level committees in every district of Delhi to investigate illegal commercial constructions.
“Submit an action-taken report concerning the Mukherjee Nagar incident as previously ordered by the court. Formation of a committee to investigate coaching institutes operating illegally or not adhering to standard norms,” the plea stated.
The issue of the deaths of three UPSC aspirants has reached Parliament.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha Monday, calling for a discussion on accountability regarding Delhi’s infrastructure failures and the resulting tragic losses.
“I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely: Demanding Accountability for Delhi’s Infrastructure Tragedies and Tragic Losses,” Tagore stated.
Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also criticised this.
“The death of students due to waterlogging in the basement of a building in Delhi is very unfortunate. A few days ago, a student had died after getting an electric shock during the rains. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. This collapse of infrastructure is a collective failure of the system. The common citizen is paying the price of unsafe construction, poor town planning, and irresponsibility of institutions at every level. A safe and comfortable life is the right of every citizen and the responsibility of the government,” Rahul said in a post on X.
(Edited by Zinnia Ray)