Court Orders CBI Custody for Accused in Delhi Coaching Centre Tragedy

Delhi Rouse Avenue Court remands six accused to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody for four days after the tragic drowning of three IAS aspirants in Old Rajinder Nagar. The court cited the need for custodial interrogation to determine roles in potential corrupt practices or criminal negligence.

A month after three IAS aspirants tragically drowned in a basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court ordered on Saturday that all six accused be remanded to four days of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody. This comes after their arrest and judicial custody placement. The court referenced an August 2, 2024, Delhi High Court order, stating that custodial interrogation of the accused is essential for the ongoing investigation. The goal is to determine the roles of individuals potentially involved in corrupt practices or criminal negligence related to the case.

Consequently, the court remanded accused Abhishek Gupta, Deshpal Singh, Tajinder Singh, Harvinder Singh, Sarabjit Singh, and Parvinder Singh to police custody for four days, ordering their production on September 4, 2024. Additional Sessions Judge Nishant Garg emphasized that custodial interrogation aids the investigation and is an effective mode into an alleged crime. The Supreme Court has held that in serious offences, the Investigation Officer should have a free hand to continue and complete the investigation.

Senior Public Prosecutor Prashant Kumar, appearing for the CBI, underscored the need for custodial interrogation of the accused, noting that police custody has not yet been taken by the CBI. Lawyers Abhinav Chaudhary and Monica Rana represented the accused. The court had earlier dismissed a petition by Abhishek Gupta, CEO of Rau's IAS Study Circle, seeking to resume classes at the coaching centre after the July 27 drowning incident.

Following the tragic incident, the CBI opposed the petition to resume classes, citing that the basement, where the drowning occurred, was used as a library instead of its intended storage purpose.

(With inputs from agencies.)