UPSC Aspirants' Death in Delhi: Police Probe 2 Theories About How Rainwater Entered Basement

New Delhi: Three students tragically lost their lives due to flooding in the basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, on early Sunday. The basement, which was being used as a library, became inundated with water following heavy rains, trapping the students inside. The owner and coordinator of Rau's IAS Study Circle have been arrested and charged with culpable homicide and negligence. The deceased students have been identified as Tania Soni (25), Shreya Yadav (25), and Nevin Dalwin (28).

Circumstances That Led To Flooding, Probe Underway

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the flooding. Initial findings suggest that the basement, located about eight feet below ground level, was overwhelmed by rainwater that broke through a steel shed installed at the entrance to prevent water ingress. The police and fire department are also considering the possibility that the gate was opened to let a car out, allowing water to rush in.

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has ordered action against all coaching centres operating from the basements of buildings, citing violations of building bye-laws. The Delhi Fire Department revealed that the coaching centre had a no-objection certificate (NOC) for using the basement solely for storage, yet it was being used as a library where students would gather to study.

Historical Context and Safety Measures

This incident has renewed scrutiny on the safety measures in place at coaching centres. Previously, Delhi's coaching institutes were not required to obtain a fire NOC. However, following a fire incident at a coaching centre in Mukherjee Nagar last year, a court-ordered survey mandated fire NOCs for all coaching institutes, integrating them into the building bye-laws.

Atul Garg, Director of the Delhi Fire Department, noted that this regulatory change is why many coaching institutes in Old Rajinder Nagar lack a fire NOC. Meanwhile, sources in the Delhi Municipal Corporation stated that coaching centres are allowed to operate based on commercial building regulations, but there is an ongoing investigation into whether centres are improperly utilizing basement spaces for coaching activities.