New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched a vigorous crackdown on encroachments following a tragic incident at an IAS coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, where three students lost their lives. Bulldozers were deployed to demolish illegal structures, including a footpath constructed over a drainage system outside the coaching centre. Local administration and police officials were present to oversee the operation.
The swift action came after MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar terminated the services of the local Junior Engineer (JE) and Assistant Engineer (AE). This marks the first major disciplinary action against corporation officials following the accident. The Delhi Police has arrested seven individuals in connection with the incident, including the basement owner Amarjeet and his son, as well as the driver of the vehicle that caused the building’s gate to break. The vehicle involved was identified as a Force Gurkha, not a Thar as initially reported.
The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of three students: Shreya from Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nevin Dalvin from Kerala. All three had come to Delhi with aspirations of becoming IAS officers. The accident, caused by negligence, has drawn significant public outcry and demands for accountability.
Following the incident, MCD Mayor Dr. Shelly Oberoi wrote to the MCD, urging strict action against those responsible. In response, the MCD began sealing operations, targeting the basements of 13 IAS coaching centres. Notices were pasted on these centres, and further actions were planned to seal illegal basements, ramps in front of coaching institutes and other buildings, extended boundary walls, and any other encroachments or illegal shops.
The Lieutenant Governor (LG) has also sought a detailed report from the commissioner regarding the incident and subsequent actions.
The deceased students’ dreams were cut short due to systemic negligence, prompting a public outcry for stricter enforcement of building regulations and accountability for those responsible. A month before the incident, a student named Kishore had lodged a complaint through the grievance portal about the hazardous conditions in the basements of coaching centres in Old Rajinder Nagar and Patel Nagar, specifically mentioning the Rao Coaching Centre where the incident occurred. Kishore emphasised that the administration and MCD Commissioner must take steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The tragic loss of Shreya, Tanya, and Nevin has highlighted the urgent need for stringent measures to ensure the safety of students and compliance with building regulations in educational institutions across Delhi.
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