The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee to investigate the deaths of three students who perished in the flooded basement of a prominent civil services coaching center in the city. The committee, tasked with submitting its report within 30 days, will examine the causes, assign responsibility, suggest preventive measures, and recommend policy changes, according to a home ministry spokesperson.
The committee comprises the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Principal Secretary (Home) of the Delhi government, the Special CP of Delhi Police, the Fire Advisor, and a Joint Secretary in the home ministry who will act as the Convener.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar, resulting in the deaths of Shreya Yadav (25) from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh; Tanya Soni (25) from Telangana; and Nevin Delvin (24) from Ernakulam, Kerala. In response, the Delhi Police have arrested the owner and coordinator of the coaching institute, charging them with culpable homicide.
Investigations revealed that the coaching center’s library was operating illegally, as the civic authority had only permitted the basement’s use for parking and storage. Officials have cited the absence of a drainage system, lack of safety measures, and unauthorized commercial use of the basement as factors contributing to the fatalities.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the deaths as a result of “negligence” but did not specify the individuals or government bodies responsible. “There was negligence. Only when accountability is fixed will there be a solution. It is our responsibility to ensure that such an incident is not repeated,” Mr. Pradhan stated.
