Delhi: Tragic incident prompts crackdown on coaching centres

As reported by NDTV, the Delhi Fire Department has initiated the cancellation of the fire safety clearance for a coaching centre in Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, following a fatal waterlogging incident.

Three civil service aspirants died after the basement of the coaching centre flooded due to heavy rain.

In response, authorities have sealed 13 coaching centres in the area for violating norms.

Civic authorities have also begun bulldozer operations near institutions where encroachment has obstructed drainage, exacerbating the waterlogging issue.

Fire safety inspection discrepancies revealed

On July 9, the Delhi Fire Service issued a fire safety certificate to the building housing Rau’s IAS Study Circle.

However, the department later discovered that the coaching centre provided incorrect information during the inspection.

Atul Garg, director of Delhi Fire Service, stated: “At the time of the inspection, books and tables were kept in the basement. The coaching centre gave incorrect information.

“We have also informed the MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) so that they can cancel the building’s NOC.”

NDTV reported that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s No-Objection Certificate also specified that the basement should be used for parking or storage.

The fire department’s certificate indicated compliance with fire safety requirements but emphasized that the basement should adhere to building bye-laws.

Political backlash and investigations follow the incident

The deaths of Tania Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Navin Delvin have sparked widespread protests and political backlash.

The BJP and protesters have targeted the Aam Aadmi Party, which governs Delhi and controls the MCD.

Delhi mayor Shelly Oberoi has ordered an investigation to determine if MCD officials were negligent.

She has also announced that all coaching centres violating the law will face action.

Seven individuals, including the coaching centre owner and the building owner, have been arrested and charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and causing death by negligence.