The owner of Rau's IAS Study Circle coaching institute in Delhi's Rajinder Nagar, where the tragic deaths of three civil service aspirants occurred, received interim bail from the Rouse Avenue Court on Monday. This comes in the aftermath of a major public outcry over the incident, which has raised questions about safety standards and regulatory oversight at educational institutions in the area. Along with the institute's owner, the court granted interim bail to CEO Abhishek Gupta and coordinator Deshpal Singh, extending their bail until December 7. The two individuals were released upon furnishing bonds worth Rs 1 lakh each, along with two sureties of the same amount, indicating the seriousness with which the court is handling the case, while balancing it with legal procedure.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had also granted interim bail to four co-owners of the basement where the disaster unfolded. The basement, which served as a library and study space for the coaching center, became a death trap for the students on July 27, when the area was inundated by severe flooding after torrential rains lashed the city. The heavy downpour led to waterlogging in Old Rajinder Nagar, a locality known for hosting numerous coaching institutes that cater to civil service aspirants. Tragically, Shreya Yadav (25) from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni (25) from Telangana, and Nevin Delvin (24) from Kerala were trapped in the flooded basement and drowned before help could reach them.
Adding to the complexity of the case, authorities arrested an SUV driver who allegedly exacerbated the flooding situation by driving his vehicle through the already waterlogged streets. It is believed that the vehicle's movement caused the water levels to rise further, breaching the gates of the coaching center and allowing a torrent of water to rush into the basement, where the students were studying at the time. The driver now faces charges of negligent driving, and his actions are being scrutinized as a contributing factor in the deaths.
The incident has triggered a wave of anger and disappointment, not only from the families of the victims but also from the broader community of students and parents who rely on Delhi’s coaching hubs to prepare for competitive exams. Many are questioning the negligence displayed by the coaching center’s management in ensuring the safety of their facilities, particularly in a city that is prone to seasonal monsoons and subsequent flooding. Critics have pointed out that the basement, which was used as a library, did not meet adequate safety standards or have proper evacuation routes in case of emergencies. Furthermore, allegations have surfaced that the institute may have violated building and safety codes, further aggravating the situation.
In the wake of this tragedy, the municipal authorities and state government have come under fire for failing to enforce stricter regulations in densely populated areas with educational institutions. The incident has reignited debates around urban planning and infrastructure in Delhi, especially in neighborhoods like Rajinder Nagar, which have seen rapid commercialization without corresponding improvements in drainage and safety systems. Public pressure is mounting on local authorities to conduct thorough inspections of all educational centers in the area and ensure they comply with fire safety, flood preparedness, and building regulations.
The tragic deaths of these young aspirants, who had traveled from different parts of the country to prepare for one of India’s most competitive exams, have served as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students living in such environments. The court’s decision to grant interim bail to the key figures involved in managing the institute has done little to quell the anger of the public, with many demanding justice and accountability for the loss of innocent lives.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on not just prosecuting those directly responsible but also preventing such a tragedy from occurring again. With the court hearings expected to stretch on, the families of the victims, student groups, and civil society organizations have vowed to keep up the pressure on authorities to reform safety protocols across all coaching institutes in Delhi.
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