Overview of Recent Developments in Delhi Coaching Centre Tragedy 

Incident Background: 

• Date: July 29, 2024 

• Location: Coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi 

• Casualties: Three IAS aspirants died due to drowning in the basement of a coaching centre following severe waterlogging. 

Recent Developments: 

1. Arrests and Actions: 

• Arrests: Delhi Police have arrested a total of seven individuals in connection with deaths. This includes five recent arrests: 

• SUV Driver: The driver is accused of driving through a flooded road, causing water to gush into the coaching centre’s basement. 

• Building Owners: Four individuals, including owners of the coaching centre and building’s basement, were arrested. Previous arrests included the owner and coordinator of Rau’s IAS Study Circle. 

• SUV Seizure:  police have also seized the SUV involved in the incident. 

2. Municipal Corporation Response: 

• Anti-Encroachment Drive: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) initiated an anti-encroachment drive to remove illegal structures obstructing storm drains in the area. Bulldozers were deployed to clear encroachments near the site of the tragedy. 

• Official Actions:  MCD has terminated a junior engineer and suspended an assistant engineer from Karol Bagh Zone’s maintenance department for negligence related to the incident. 

3. Political and Administrative Reactions: 

• AAP’s Blame: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused bureaucrats of negligence. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj criticized IAS officers for not attending a crucial meeting about drain management. 

• Opposition’s Role:  BJP and or opposition parties have also been involved in the blame game, with accusations directed at various administrative bodies. 

4. MCD’s Responsibility and Next Steps: 

• Drain Management:  MCD has been criticized for failing to desilt and maintain stormwater drains, which contributed to waterlogging. 

• Furr Investigations:  police may question MCD officials about clearance certificates issued to the coaching centre and their role in the incident. 

5. Public and Student Reaction: 

• Protests: Students and the public have protested against authorities, demanding accountability and improved safety measures. 

• Criticism: re is significant criticism towards MCD and or civic authorities for ir role in the tragedy and their response to the aftermath. 

Summary 

deaths of three IAS aspirants at a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar have prompted significant action and controversy.  Delhi Police have made several arrests, including that of an SUV driver accused of exacerbating flooding.  MCD has launched a drive to remove encroachments affecting storm drains and has taken action against negligent officials. The incident has led to political blame-shifting and widespread public protest, highlighting ongoing issues with urban infrastructure and emergency response in Delhi.