Delhi Students Candlelight March for UPSC Tragedy Victims
On July 28, 2024, students in Delhi organized a massive candlelight march in Old Rajinder Nagar, demanding justice for the three UPSC aspirants who tragically lost their lives due to flooding in the basement of an IAS coaching centre. The incident, which occurred on July 27, has sparked widespread outrage among the student community and calls for accountability from the authorities.
Details of the Incident
The tragic incident took place in the basement of Rau’s IAS coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar. Heavy rains led to severe waterlogging, causing the basement to flood rapidly. The victims, identified as Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nivin Dalwin from Kerala, were unable to escape the rising waters and tragically lost their lives.
Eyewitnesses reported that the basement filled with water in a matter of minutes, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation. Rescuers faced significant challenges in pumping out the water and reaching the trapped students.
Massive Student Protests and Candlelight March
In response to the tragedy, students from various parts of Delhi gathered to hold a candlelight march in Old Rajinder Nagar. The march was a powerful expression of grief, solidarity, and a demand for justice. Protestors carried candles and placards, voicing their demands for immediate compensation for the victims’ families and accountability from the authorities.
An IAS aspirant who participated in the march, stated, “Students who are protesting here want the authorities to reveal the actual casualties that took place in the incident. The family of the deceased must get immediate compensation.” He further added that students are demanding severe punishment for those responsible, including coaching institutes and landowners who operate facilities without proper safety measures.
Political and Official Responses
The incident has drawn significant attention from political leaders and officials. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena met with the protesting students and assured them that strict action would be taken. He expressed his anguish over the deaths, calling the incident “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
AAP MP Swati Maliwal also expressed her outrage, stating that the deaths were not just a disaster but a result of negligence. She called for an FIR to be registered against government officials. Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva called for an inquiry into the incident, criticizing the local government for its alleged negligence.
Student Safety and Infrastructure Concerns
The protests have highlighted significant concerns about the safety of coaching centres, particularly those operating in basements without adequate safety measures. Students are demanding that authorities address issues such as proper maintenance of wiring, installation of biometric lock systems, and enforcement of building safety regulations.
The students’ demands also include strict action against the flat owners who charge hefty rents for basement rooms that do not have proper safety measures. They emphasized the need for regular inspections and compliance with safety standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
The tragic flooding at the Delhi UPSC coaching centre has led to widespread protests and demands for justice. As investigations continue and authorities take action, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future. The Delhi UPSC Coaching Centre Tragedy underscores the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and stringent enforcement of safety regulations to protect students.
FAQs
1. What caused the flooding at the Delhi UPSC coaching centre?
Heavy rains led to severe waterlogging, causing the basement of Rau’s IAS coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar to flood rapidly. The flooding tragically resulted in the deaths of three UPSC aspirants.
2. Who were the victims of the Delhi UPSC coaching centre tragedy?
The victims were identified as Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nivin Dalwin from Kerala. They were unable to escape the rising waters in the flooded basement.
3. What actions are students demanding following the tragedy?
Students are demanding immediate compensation for the victims’ families, accountability from the authorities, and severe punishment for those responsible. They are also calling for improved safety measures in coaching centres, including proper maintenance of wiring and installation of biometric lock systems.
4. How have political leaders responded to the incident?
Political leaders, including Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and AAP MP Swati Maliwal, have expressed their grief and outrage. VK Saxena assured protesting students of strict action, while Swati Maliwal called for an FIR against government officials for negligence.
5. What steps are being taken to address safety concerns in coaching centres?
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has terminated the services of a junior engineer and suspended an assistant engineer. The MCD has also launched a sealing drive to close coaching centre basements found to be in violation of building bylaws. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formed a committee to investigate the incident and recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.