The Delhi High Court has recently transferred the investigation into the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants in Old Rajinder Nagar to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move reflects the court’s concern over the gravity of the situation and the possibility of corruption involving public officials.
The decision came after the Delhi High Court noted the seriousness of the incident and the potential involvement of public servants in the tragedy. The court also instructed the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to assign a senior officer to supervise the CBI’s investigation into the deaths of the Civil Services aspirants.
The tragedy that prompted this investigation occurred on July 27, when three UPSC aspirants lost their lives due to flooding at an IAS coaching centre in Rajinder Nagar.
The incident has led to continued protests outside the affected coaching institutes, with demonstrations ongoing for six days. Students and their supporters have been demanding justice and accountability for the victims.
In response to the tragedy, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has taken steps to honour the deceased students. She has ordered the establishment of four public libraries in their names.
These libraries are proposed to be set up by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in Rajinder Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar, Patel Nagar, and Ber Sarai. This gesture aims to commemorate the students’ memory and provide a lasting tribute to their contributions and aspirations.
Earlier, the Tis Hazari court in Delhi granted bail to Manuj Kathuria, the SUV driver accused of causing the flooding incident. Kathuria was granted bail after meeting the requirements, including a bail bond of Rs 50,000 and a similar surety. However, the process faced delays as the relevant judicial magistrate had ended their duty shift before the order could be completed.
The court’s decision to grant bail to Kathuria has raised questions about the nature of the charges against him. It was alleged that his driving, deemed rash and negligent, contributed to the water entering the coaching centre’s basement.
Despite being charged under section 105 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), which is a non-bailable offence, the judge noted that the accused seemed to be implicated out of excessive enthusiasm rather than deliberate intent.
The case has highlighted issues of public safety and accountability, especially regarding the management of such incidents and the responsibilities of public officials. As the CBI takes over the investigation, the focus will be on uncovering the full extent of any wrongdoing and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
The tragic deaths and the subsequent legal and public reactions underscore the need for thorough investigations and effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The establishment of the libraries in the victims’ names represents a small yet significant step towards honoring their memory and addressing the concerns of the affected community.
Follow us
