Delhi High Court asks CBI to investigate deaths of 3 civil services aspirants at coaching centre

New Delhi, Aug 2: The Delhi High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation into the deaths of three civil services aspirants who drowned due to flooding at their IAS coaching centre in Rajendra Nagar, Delhi reported Bar & Bench,

This decision was made by a Bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela after observing that no substantial action had been taken against the officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) or other responsible parties.

“Given the seriousness of the incidents and the potential involvement of corruption by public servants, this court transfers the investigation to CBI,” the Court ordered, according to Bar & Bench.

The Court also directed the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to supervise the probe and nominate a senior officer to oversee the CBI investigation, ensuring it is completed in a timely manner.

“Since the CVC exercises supervisory power over CBI, CVC is directed to nominate a senior officer to oversee the CBI probe and ensure that the investigation is complete in a time-bound manner,” the Court directed.

The Court expressed concerns about the functioning of the MCD and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), noting the need for a comprehensive review of the entire system. It highlighted that the last cabinet meeting of the Delhi government was held several months ago, hindering the approval of new projects and exacerbating crises in Delhi.

“Keeping in view the aforesaid there is no wonder Delhi is going from one crisis to another. One day there is a drought and the next day there is a flood. It is time that the administrative, financial, and physical infra of Delhi is relooked at,” the order of the Court stated.

The Court ordered the formation of a committee headed by the Delhi Chief Secretary to examine the financial and administrative setup of Delhi and submit a report within eight weeks. The committee will include the Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Delhi Police Commissioner.

The Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an organization named Kutumb, seeking a “high-level” probe into the deaths of the three civil services aspirants. The aspirants—Tania Soni (25), Shreya Yadav (25), and Navin Delvin (28)—died when the basement library of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Rajendra Nagar flooded following heavy rains.

During the hearing, the Court persistently questioned the Delhi Police about how the students were trapped in the basement and unable to escape. The Bench also inquired about the safety certificate for the premises and criticized the Delhi Fire Service for its evasive responses.

“Buildings in the heart of Delhi are coming up as encroachments. When we order demolition, you puncture the roof. The puncture is the size of a football,” the Acting Chief Justice remarked, highlighting the rampant illegal constructions and non-implementation of court orders.

The Court criticized the Delhi Police for arresting a passerby car driver who had no connection to the flooding or the deaths, while failing to summon any MCD officials.

“You do not even have the audacity to call the MCD officials. Mercifully, you have not challaned the water and asked the water how it entered the basement. You arrested a driver. The MCD officers are responsible to desilt. If he does not do that, he must understand that this is criminal negligence,” the Bench asserted.

The Court urged the Police to conduct the investigation scientifically and not succumb to any pressures.