The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has firmly stated before a Delhi court that there is no justification for conducting any further investigation into the heartbreaking case involving the deaths of three UPSC aspirants. These young individuals tragically drowned in the flooded basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar back in July 2024, an incident that sent shockwaves across the nation's aspirational community.
CBI's Submission to the Court
During a recent hearing, the premier investigative agency made detailed submissions, emphasizing that all material evidence has been thoroughly collected and examined from every relevant angle. The CBI highlighted that the roles of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials and Delhi Fire Service (DFS) personnel, allegedly conspiring with the coaching institute's owner, have already been uncovered. This, according to the agency, negates any need for additional probes into the matter.
Protest Petition and Allegations
The court session was prompted by a protest petition filed by Advocate Abhijit Anand, who represents Dalvin Suresh, the grieving father of one of the deceased aspirants, Nevin Dalvin. In his petition, Anand strongly criticized the CBI's investigation, describing it as conducted in a "sham and casual manner" and alleging a lack of free and fair inquiry.
The petition specifically pointed out that the CBI failed to seize the sanctioned building plan for educational occupancy and did not investigate the case from all perspectives as directed by the Delhi High Court. Furthermore, it claimed that crucial aspects, such as the basement having a lift-lobby and car-lift as per the occupancy-cum-completion certificate, were overlooked.
Chargesheet Details and Enforcement Actions
According to the chargesheet filed by the CBI, significant enforcement actions were taken in the aftermath of the tragedy. Between August 4 and September 4, 2024, the MCD sealed 52 basements, including those utilized by coaching centres, libraries, and private offices, demonstrating a broader crackdown on safety violations.
In its supplementary chargesheet submitted last April, the CBI named several individuals, including Abhishek Gupta, partner of M/s Rau's IAS Study Circle; Arnav Kumar Dutta, a Junior Engineer with MCD's Karol Bagh Zone; Udai Vir Singh, Assistant Divisional Officer of the South West Division Fire Station in Dwarka Sector 6; Vedpal, Divisional Officer at Shankar Road Fire Station; and Ashok Narang, a consultant with the coaching institute. These individuals have been charged under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This case has raised serious questions about the safety standards and regulatory compliance of educational institutions, particularly coaching centres that cater to thousands of competitive exam aspirants across India. The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stringent building code enforcement and regular inspections to prevent such disasters in the future.
The CBI's stance, while asserting the completeness of its investigation, continues to face scrutiny from the victims' families and legal representatives who seek more comprehensive accountability. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case remains a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities within urban educational infrastructures and the imperative for robust oversight mechanisms.
