Delhi Rau's IAS Coaching Centre Mishap: 3 Students Drowned In Flooded Basement
New Delhi: A student has tragically lost their life, and at least two others have been trapped for over four hours after sudden flooding engulfed the basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle, a prominent coaching centre in West Delhi's Rajendra Nagar. Visuals from the scene show the basement completely submerged in water. The fire brigade received an emergency call at 7.19 PM on Saturday, prompting the dispatch of five fire engines. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also involved in the ongoing rescue operations. A female student's body has been recovered so far, according to officials.
Recent Similar Incidents
This incident closely follows the death of a UPSC aspirant who was electrocuted while navigating a waterlogged street in Patel Nagar, another area in West Delhi. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Delhi) M Harshavardhan reported that heavy rain on Saturday evening caused significant waterlogging around the coaching centre. "Rescue operations are currently underway, but we are encountering difficulties due to the slow drainage of water. Our team is working tirelessly. So far, we have recovered the body of a female student," he stated.
Government Response and Investigation
In a post on X, Delhi Public Works Department Minister Atishi confirmed the basement's flooding due to the heavy downpour. She added that the local AAP MLA, Durgesh Pathak, and the mayor, Shelly Oberoi, are at the scene. "I am receiving minute-by-minute updates on the incident," she wrote in Hindi. The minister emphasized that anyone found guilty will face consequences and has requested the Delhi Chief Secretary to initiate a magisterial inquiry, with a report expected within 24 hours.
Political Reactions
Bansuri Swaraj, BJP MP from the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, criticized the AAP government, stating that the tragedy could have been prevented. "Dedicated BJP workers repeatedly asked Durgesh Pathak to ensure the sewers in this area were cleaned and de-silted. This tragedy could have been avoided if those actions had been taken. The AAP government, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and MLA Durgesh Pathak are responsible for this tragic loss," she said.
Official Statements and Continuing Efforts
In response to the BJP's allegations, Durgesh Pathak suggested that a drain or sewer explosion caused the flooding. He dismissed the political accusations, emphasizing that the current focus should be on rescuing the trapped students. "This is not the time for politics. Our priority is to save the students," he stated.
Rescue operations continue as authorities work to drain the water and ensure the safety of those still trapped in the basement.
Police Sources
Two more people might still be trapped, although there is no official confirmation yet. The incident at RAU's IAS Study Circle happened around 7:40 PM.
The basement houses a library with a capacity of 150. At the time of the incident, 30 to 40 students were in the library.
Sudden rain in the evening caused waterlogging, and the wall of a nearby drain broke, causing water to fill in. There was only one exit from the library. In the ensuing panic, two students got trapped and lost their lives on the spot. The students present at the scene are extremely angry with the Delhi government and the Delhi Municipal Corporation over this incident.
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