Rouse Avenue Court Reserves Order on Bail Pleas in UPSC Aspirants' Drowning Incident

Rouse Avenue court has reserved its decision on the bail applications of four co-owners of a basement where three UPSC aspirants drowned in old Rajender Nagar, Delhi. The CBI opposed the bail, citing knowledge of the basement's misuse, while the defense argued MCD’s responsibility and lack of knowledge.

The Rouse Avenue court has reserved its decision on the bail pleas of four co-owners involved in the drowning incident that killed three UPSC aspirants in a Delhi coaching center's basement on July 27. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed the bail applications, claiming the accused knew the basement was designated only for storage and examination purposes.

Defense counsel argued that if there had been any rule violations, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) should have taken action. They contended that the accused were unaware such a tragic incident might occur. Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna will rule on the bail pleas of Sarabjit Singh, Harvinder Singh, Parvinder Singh, and Tejinder Singh.

During the proceedings, Defense Counsel Amir Chaddha cited Supreme Court judgments and asserted that section 105 BNS was not applicable to the accused, who were not present at the incident's location. Chaddha emphasized that the primary cause of death was the dysfunctional stormwater drains, arguing that MCD officials should have sealed the basement if rules were violated. CBI counsel countered, stating that the accused had knowledge of the basement's improper use.

(With inputs from agencies.)