NHRC Holds Delhi Authorities Accountable for Deaths of IAS Aspirants in Flooded Basement

New Delhi July 30 2024 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the tragic deaths of three IAS aspirants in the basement of a coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi. The incident occurred on July 27, 2024, when the basement library of a prominent civil services coaching center became flooded, leading to the drowning of the students.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NHRC highlighted media reports indicating multiple complaints about waterlogging in the area, which were allegedly ignored by the authorities. The Commission has issued notices to the Delhi government, the Delhi Municipal Corporation, and the Delhi police, demanding a detailed report on the actions taken by the authorities. The Chief Secretary has been directed to submit a report on measures taken against coaching centers that are operating in violation of government norms.

The NHRC emphasized the apparent negligence on the part of the authorities, citing another recent incident where a civil services aspirant died from electrocution while crossing a waterlogged street. The Commission stressed that the Government of NCT of Delhi, the Municipal Corporation, and law enforcement agencies cannot evade their responsibility in these matters. Notices have been sent to the Chief Secretary, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, requiring them to provide a comprehensive report within two weeks.

Additionally, the Commission has instructed the Chief Secretary to conduct a thorough survey to identify the number of institutes and coaching centers operating in violation of prescribed norms across Delhi. Authorities have also been asked to detail the actions taken against public servants who failed to perform their lawful duties.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of Shreya Yadav from Ambedkar Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nivin Dalwin from Ernakulam, Kerala. Their bodies were recovered by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and fire department during the rescue operation.