The CBI has taken over the investigation into the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar. This development comes after the Delhi High Court ordered the central agency to take charge of the case due to flaws in the Delhi Police’s investigation and concerns about potential corruption by public servants.
The three young aspirants lost their lives when rainwater flooded the basement of a coaching centre, where they were studying, highlighting severe negligence in building safety and maintenance. The Delhi High Court’s decision to transfer the case to the CBI underscores the seriousness of the incident and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation.
The CBI has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Abhishek Gupta, the co-owner and CEO of Rau Coaching Centre, who had leased the building. Gupta faces charges under several sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, causing death by negligence, voluntarily causing hurt, negligent conduct regarding building maintenance, and common intention.
Interestingly, the FIR names only Gupta as the accused and does not charge the four basement owners or the passerby driver, Manoj Kathuria. This points to a focused investigation on the primary responsible party, but it also raises questions about the roles of other individuals involved in the building's maintenance and safety compliance.
The FIR, now registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, reflects the seriousness of the case. This step follows the court’s acknowledgment of the potential involvement of public servants in corrupt practices that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Last week, the Delhi High Court transferred the investigation, citing the grave nature of the incident and the potential corruption involved. The court's directive also included an order for the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to nominate a senior officer to oversee the CBI probe, ensuring transparency and accountability in the investigation.
In addition to ordering the CBI takeover, the Delhi High Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner to ensure that the drains in the area are functional and to systematically increase their capacity if necessary.
The court also mandated the immediate removal of encroachments and illegal constructions, including any that obstruct stormwater drains. This directive aims to prevent such tragic incidents in the future and ensure the safety of residents in the area.
The CBI's involvement in the case signifies a crucial step towards justice for the deceased aspirants and their families. It also sends a strong message about the importance of maintaining safety standards and addressing corruption in public services. The investigation will not only focus on the immediate negligence that led to the deaths but also on systemic issues that allowed such negligence to occur.
As the CBI begins its probe, the focus will be on uncovering the full extent of the negligence and corruption that led to the tragedy. This includes examining the roles of all parties involved, from the building's owners and managers to the local authorities responsible for enforcing safety regulations.
The tragic deaths of the three UPSC aspirants have brought to light significant issues regarding building safety and the enforcement of regulations.
The CBI's investigation will be critical in addressing these issues and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. It also highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and reform in how safety regulations are enforced to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The CBI's takeover of the investigation marks a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families. It also emphasises the importance of addressing corruption and ensuring the strict enforcement of safety regulations to protect the lives of residents and students in Delhi and beyond.
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