Three UPSC aspirants die in Delhi coaching centre flooding after rains; owner detained
In a devastating incident, three civil services aspirants lost their lives after the basement of a coaching centre in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar was flooded due to heavy rain. The tragedy occurred at Rau's IAS Study Circle, where the Delhi Fire Department responded to a distress call about waterlogging and reports of people trapped inside.
Upon arrival, rescuers discovered the bodies of two female students and one male student. The Delhi Fire Service and NDRF rescue teams worked throughout the night, with the operation concluding early in the morning amidst water levels reaching 7 feet deep.
Police reports indicate that the heavy rains caused severe waterlogging on the road, which may have led to the rapid flooding of the basement, trapping the victims. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the exact cause and speed of the flooding.
In response to the incident, UPSC aspirants held a night-long protest, demanding immediate action from the authorities. Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi has ordered an inquiry into the matter, while leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party have accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of negligence for failing to address drainage issues in the area.
This tragic event comes just days after another UPSC aspirant was electrocuted on a waterlogged street in Delhi, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety measures in the city.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi condoled the death of three IAS aspirants due to waterlogging in the basement of a building here, and said common people are paying the price for unsafe construction, poor town planning and irresponsibility of institutions at every level.
The three civil services aspirants died after the basement of the building housing a coaching centre in central Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar area was flooded following heavy rain, officials said.
In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, "The death of students preparing for competitive exams due to waterlogging in the basement of a building in Delhi is very unfortunate. A few days ago, a student died due to electric shock during the rains."
He expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
"This collapse of infrastructure is a combined failure of the system. The common citizen is paying the price of unsafe construction, poor town planning and irresponsibility of institutions at every level by losing his life," the former Congress chief said.
A safe and comfortable life is the right of every citizen and the responsibility of governments, Gandhi asserted.
The Delhi Police on Sunday detained the owner and coordinator of the coaching centre where three students died due to flooding following heavy rains, officials said.
Police have booked them under charges of culpable homicide among others, they said.