Delhi Students Protest Deadly Flooding at UPSC Coaching Center

Students in Delhi's Old Rajender Nagar protested the deaths of three UPSC aspirants after rainwater flooded their coaching center. Protestors demand compensation for victims' families and improved safety measures in library basements. Arrests have been made, and MCD took action against building violations.

On Tuesday morning, students in Delhi's Old Rajender Nagar continued their protest against the deaths of three UPSC aspirants, caused by severe flooding at Rau's Study Circle. Heavy rains on Saturday evening led to the tragic incident.

Speaking to ANI, Robin Singh, a protesting student, demanded Rs 5 crore compensation for each victim's family and full disclosure of the death toll. Stating that eyewitnesses suggested the toll might be higher than reported, Singh called for transparency.

Another protestor, Bhoomi, emphasized the need for safety measures in basement libraries. Bhoomi called for the involvement of authorities like the MCD and Delhi Jal Board to ensure compliance with regulations and address safety concerns.

A local highlighted the hazard posed by exposed 440-volt wires, exacerbated by blocked sewers in the low-lying area. He questioned how the building obtained a fire NOC, despite apparent violations, including excessive height and basement coaching activities.

Eyewitness Hridesh Chauhan recounted the chaos as rainwater began flooding the library, with a guard urgently asking students to evacuate. At the time, around 30-35 students were present, many of whom struggled to leave.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena visited the protest site on Monday and met with students. The MCD initiated disciplinary action against engineers in the Karol Bagh Zone.

Police arrested seven individuals, including the SUV driver whose actions contributed to the flooding. The deceased were identified as Shreya Yadav, Tanya Soni, and Nivin Dalwin. The arrested include the building owners and the coaching center's coordinator.

Subsequent to the incident, the MCD sealed thirteen coaching center basements in Karol Bagh for building violations. Protesting students held a candlelight vigil and demanded accountability, transparency, and compensation.

Protester Aman Kumar Yadav insisted on immediate compensation for the victims' families and accountability from authorities, describing the distress the incident caused to students already under exam pressure.

(With inputs from agencies.)