Delhi: Probe reveals shocking lapses at Rau’s IAS coaching centre after student deaths

Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar handed over a probe report to Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi regarding the deaths of three civil services aspirants at Rau's IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar of the national capital on Tuesday (July 30).

The report highlights several lapses of the coaching institute, such as jamming of the drainage system and inadequate security staff. According to the report, the coaching centre had entirely blocked the drainage system and failed to implement extra measures to handle such situations.

“The parking access to the institute is directly exposed to the road and in case of heavy rain, water instead of going into the stormwater drain enters directly into this parking area,” the report added.

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"There was no vigil on the part of security staff as a result water uninterruptedly crossed the parking area and entered into the basement ultimately taking the precious life of three bright children,” the report said.

The report from the Delhi Chief Secretary stated that the Assistant Engineer (M-1)/KBZ, who was in charge of the drainage system in the area, had been suspended right away. Additionally, the Junior Engineer (M-1)/KBZ has been dismissed from service.

The chief secretary's report claimed that the stretch from Shankar Road to Pusa Road is shaped like a saucer, with the lowest point located in front of Rau's Coaching Institute. “During peak rains, water accumulates in this stretch of 200 feet and whenever vehicles pass through this stretch there is a huge splash of water which aggravates the situation,” the report said.

“The water which was supposed to enter into the stormwater drain and then to barrel, pushes towards the parking area,” the report added.

The report alleged that property owners have covered the drainage system in the built-up section with granite, marble, or kota stones. "The opening in the shape of a manhole over the drainage system has also been covered with finishing items, thus leaving no scope for cleaning of the drains,” the report added.

The Centre has formed a panel to investigate the deaths of Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nevin Dalwin from Kerala, who drowned in the flooded basement of the coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar.

"MHA has constituted a committee to inquire into the unfortunate incident at a coaching centre in old Rajinder Nagar in New Delhi. The committee will inquire into the reasons, fix responsibility, suggest measures and recommend policy changes," the MHA spokesperson posted on X.

"The committee will have Additional Secretary, MoUHA, Principal Secretary (Home), Delhi Govt, Special CP, Delhi Police, Fire Advisor and JS, MHA as Convener. It will submit its report in 30 days," the post said.

(With inputs from agencies)