The Delhi High Court has severely criticized the Delhi Police for their handling of the investigation into the deaths of three UPSC aspirants who drowned in a flooded basement at Rau’s coaching centre. Finding significant “glaring omissions” in the police investigation, the court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday.
The court emphasized the need for an independent agency to ensure a transparent investigation, as the case involves potential negligence and corruption by public officials. The incident occurred on July 27, when heavy rain caused severe flooding in the basement library of the coaching centre, leading to the drowning of the three students.
A bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s investigation. They questioned why the students could not escape the basement and noted that flooding takes several minutes, not occurring instantaneously.
The court was critical of the police for failing to question Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials and for not seizing crucial documents related to building plans and drain maintenance. The bench chastised the police for their lack of action, stating, “No disrespect, but we don’t think your police are equipped to handle this case.” It questioned the delay in addressing the MCD files and the failure to reconstruct the scene.
In its reprimand, the court also criticized the police for arresting an SUV driver and blaming him for the incident, sarcastically remarking that they might as well have fined the rainwater for entering the basement.
The MCD commissioner, who was present in court, revealed that stormwater drains in the area were dysfunctional. The court ordered the immediate removal of encroachments and unauthorized constructions affecting stormwater and sewage drains in Rajender Nagar.
The bench reprimanded both the police and MCD for their lack of respect for judicial orders and their apparent indifference to human life. It demanded accountability and action, underscoring the need for responsible governance and adherence to the law.
