In the wake of the tragic deaths of three students at the Rao IAS Study Centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sealed the basements of 13 other coaching centers. This action follows increasing pressure from student protests demanding government accountability and action against illegally used basements.
Key Developments:
- Investigation Panel Formed: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established a committee to investigate the incident. The panel, comprising high-ranking officials, is tasked with identifying the causes, assigning responsibility, and recommending policy changes. The committee will submit its report within 30 days.
- Compensation Announced: Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased students.
- Political Reactions: AAP MP Sanjay Singh criticized the BJP and the LG for their alleged neglect and conspiracies against the Delhi government. He highlighted the need for de-silting drains to prevent such incidents, blaming officials for not following orders.
- Judicial Custody: The accused in the Old Rajinder Nagar case have been sent to judicial custody for 14 days by the Delhi Tis Hazari Court.
- BJP’s Stance: Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva accused the Delhi government of corruption and negligence. He questioned why an audit of coaching centers and PG accommodations, ordered by the Supreme Court, was not conducted.
- Protests and Political Statements: BJP councilors protested in the MCD House, leading to its adjournment. AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak and other party members protested outside the LG Secretariat, demanding action over the long-standing drainage issues.
- Emergency Meeting: MCD Mayor Shelly Oberoi has called an emergency meeting to address the issue, involving key officials from the Public Works Department and Delhi Jal Board.
- Audit and Enforcement: Shashi Tharoor presented evidence of unauthorized clearances for building basements, while Akhilesh Yadav questioned the government’s enforcement policies.
- Student Body Released: The body of one of the deceased students, Nivin Dalwin, was handed over to his family. Out of the 17 students hospitalized, 14 have been discharged.
- Water Cannon Use: Delhi police used water cannons to disperse protesting BJP workers who were demanding accountability from the AAP government.
- Administrative Actions: MCD has terminated a junior engineer and suspended an assistant engineer for their roles in the incident. Earth movers have been brought in to remove encroachments in Old Rajinder Nagar.
- Public Outcry: Delhi BJP women workers protested outside the AAP office, clanging utensils and showing bangles, demanding the government take responsibility for the deaths of the students.
The ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.
