The Delhi High Court has transferred the investigation into the deaths of three students in the Old Rajendra Nagar Cochin Centre accident to the CBI. The court directed the CBI to conduct the investigation under the supervision of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
The court ordered the MCD to open all drains and increase their number if necessary. It also instructed the MCD to take action against the responsible officer for the area. The court criticized the MCD, stating that blocked drains lead to water entering homes and questioning what would happen if such an incident occurred to one of their own children.
Delhi High Court slams Delhi government’s freebies policy
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan led the bench that issued these orders. The court also sharply criticized the Delhi government’s freebies policy, attributing the city’s growing population to subsidies. It demanded a discussion on these policy issues.
During the hearing, Delhi Police reported that they had not ignored any aspect of the investigation. The court challenged this claim, asking for the names of MCD officers involved. It expressed frustration, stating that the police had wasted valuable time and taunted that similar tragedies would occur every monsoon.
The court remarked that the drainage system at the incident site was inadequate, with roads functioning like drains. It questioned the Delhi Police about the arrest of an SUV driver passing by, deeming it unfair and a violation of the driver’s rights. Delhi Police apologized for any negative impression formed and blamed media reports.
Questions Delhi Police for inaction
The court directed the Delhi Police to conduct a scientific investigation and criticized them for failing to implement its previous orders. It demanded answers about why a building with a “saucer-like” design was approved and questioned the investigating officer’s progress.
Delhi Police assured the court they were investigating all aspects forensically. The court asked whether the case diary recorded that the drainage system was non-functional, to which Delhi Police responded negatively.
The court questioned the Delhi Fire Service’s response and demanded an investigation into how the basement was filled with water. The DCP noted that the fire service’s answers were evasive and pledged to take action against them.
The court also addressed the MCD’s acknowledgment of an unauthorized market in the area and stressed the need to address the drainage issues. The court remains puzzled about how the students drowned and criticized both the Delhi Police and MCD for their handling of the situation.
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