In central Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar area, a tragic incident occurred when the basement of a coaching centre was flooded following heavy rainfall, resulting in the deaths of three civil services aspirants. The affected coaching institute, Rau’s IAS Study Circle, reported the flood to the Delhi Fire Department (DFS) around 7 pm on Saturday. They mentioned that a few individuals might be trapped inside the flooded basement.
DCP (Central Delhi) M Harshavardhan indicated that the basement was rapidly flooded, making it difficult for occupants to escape. The fire department dispatched five tenders to the scene, where they discovered the basement filled with water. Despite extensive rescue efforts involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and the fire department, two female students and one male student were found deceased. Their identities have not been disclosed by the authorities.
The rescue operation, which continued past midnight, focused on pumping out water, but the basement’s water level remained at 7 feet. Students protested the deaths, accusing local authorities of negligence. In response, Revenue Minister Atishi has called for a thorough investigation, directing Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to provide a report within 24 hours. Atishi assured that those responsible would face consequences.
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj visited the site, criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration for failing to address drainage issues despite repeated local requests. They demanded the resignation of Jal Board Minister Atishi and local MLA Durgesh Pathak, blaming them for the tragedy.
The incident follows a similar tragedy earlier in the week in Patel Nagar, where a civil services aspirant was electrocuted due to unsafe conditions. Reports suggest that divers were needed to assist in the rescue, as furniture in the flooded basement obstructed operations.
(With PTI Inputs)