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A devastating incident unfolded in Delhi on Saturday, highlighting the perils of inadequate infrastructure and the violation of safety regulations. A coaching center, Rau's IAS Study Circle, located in Rajendra Nagar, faced severe flooding that tragically claimed the lives of three students. The incident, which exposed the illegal utilization of the basement as a library, underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building codes and safety measures.
The heart-wrenching video footage, captured hours before the bodies were recovered, depicts students frantically escaping the waterlogged basement. The chaotic scene, with water rushing down the stairs, reveals the desperate efforts of those attempting to save themselves. The chilling audio recording of a man urging students to come up quickly, his voice laced with concern, amplifies the gravity of the situation. Despite their efforts, three students - Tania Soni (25), Shreya Yadav (25), and Navin Delvin (28) - were trapped and tragically lost their lives.
The authorities, alerted to the waterlogging around 7 pm, initiated a seven-hour rescue operation, culminating in the recovery of the victims' bodies. While the police are investigating the cause of the flooding, locals attribute it to a poorly maintained drainage system in the area, which they claim was heavily clogged with silt. The footage of the road in front of the coaching institute, showing waist-deep water levels, further corroborates their claims. The Delhi Police has registered an FIR and formed multiple teams to investigate the incident, focusing on potential lapses by both the coaching center's owner and the civic authorities.
The investigation has revealed a serious breach of safety regulations by the coaching center. The three-story building, approved by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in 2021, was falsely represented as using the basement for storage. The fire department's No Objection Certificate (NOC) was obtained under this false pretense, authorizing the use of the basement as a store room. However, the institute's management was utilizing the basement as a classroom and library, a direct violation of the NOC and a clear disregard for safety standards.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage among students, who have staged protests demanding justice for the deceased and calling for accountability. They have expressed their anger and grief over the loss of promising young individuals preparing for civil service examinations. The institute, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigations. The owner and the coordinator of Rau's IAS Study Circle have been arrested and charged with culpable homicide.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to building regulations and safety standards. It highlights the potential consequences of neglecting these crucial safeguards. The incident necessitates a thorough investigation to determine the specific factors that led to the flooding and to hold those responsible accountable. The authorities must prioritize safety measures and ensure the strict enforcement of building codes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Source: "Come Up, Quick": Video Shows Students Rushing Out Of Delhi Coaching Centre