The Delhi High Court has sharply criticized the Delhi Police, questioning their handling of the tragic basement deaths of three civil service aspirants at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar. The court has transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing concerns that senior officials might be involved and to ensure a transparent probe.
Court Orders CBI Investigation into Tragic Deaths
Last week, three students—Shreya Yadav (25) from Ghaziabad, Tanya Soni (25) from Telangana, and Nevin Delvin (24) from Ernakulam—drowned in the flooded basement of the coaching center. The Delhi High Court criticized the Delhi Police for their lack of action, particularly pointing out that no challan was issued for the rainwater drainage issues that contributed to the incident. Instead, the police had focused on arresting an SUV driver who was in the vicinity, which the court deemed an inappropriate response.
CVC to Monitor CBI Probe
To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the court has instructed the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to appoint a senior officer to oversee the CBI’s work. The aim is to guarantee that the investigation is conducted promptly and effectively, leaving no room for public doubt about its integrity.
Delhi Police Criticized for Handling of the Case
Manuj Kathuria, who was charged with ‘culpable homicide not amounting to murder’ for driving on the waterlogged road next to the coaching center, was granted bail. The court stressed the importance of the police’s role in arresting actual culprits and protecting the innocent, warning that misdirected arrests would constitute a grave injustice.
The Delhi Police, while apologizing for their actions, blamed media reports for the negative perception. The court has demanded a clear and accurate account of the facts from the police and criticized their investigation as being biased and inadequate.
Investigation into Safety Failures and Civic Negligence
The court also questioned why civic officials failed to inform the commissioner about malfunctioning stormwater drains in Rajinder Nagar, highlighting a recurring issue with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials’ indifference.
In response to the tragedy, the Delhi Police have arrested the owner and coordinator of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, charging them with culpable homicide. The investigation revealed that the absence of proper drainage systems and safety measures, coupled with the misuse of the basement for commercial activities, directly contributed to the fatal incident.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision to transfer the investigation to the CBI underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a fair and transparent investigation. The ongoing scrutiny will focus on uncovering any negligence and holding accountable those responsible for the unfortunate deaths of the aspiring civil servants.
