Delhi Court Directs CBI to Conduct Further Investigation in Coaching Centre Tragedy
A Delhi court on Thursday granted a protest petition filed by the father of a deceased civil service aspirant, ordering the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct further investigation into the tragic deaths of three aspirants in a flooded basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajendra Nagar on July 27, 2024.
Court's Directive and Legal Proceedings
Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Bhatt of the Rouse Avenue Courts pronounced, "The protest petition is allowed. The investigating officer is directed to conduct further investigation." A detailed reasoned order from the court is currently awaited, which will outline the legal basis for this decision.
The petition was filed by Abhijit Anand, counsel for Dalvin Suresh, father of the deceased Nevin Dalvin. It alleged that the CBI's investigating officer failed to conduct a "free and fair investigation" into the incident. The petition, dated January 9, contended that the entire probe was conducted in a "sham and casual manner" and did not explore all angles as directed by the Delhi High Court.
CBI's Defense and Previous Actions
In response to the allegations, the CBI filed its defense last month, asserting that the investigation was "fair, thorough, and in accordance with law." The agency stated that all material evidence had been collected and examined from relevant perspectives, leaving no justification for additional investigation.
The CBI specifically denied allegations of collusion with any accused individuals or officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and fire services. It emphasized that the roles of Delhi Jal Board officials, deputy commissioners of the MCD Karol Bagh Zone, and concerned engineers were thoroughly investigated during the probe.
Key findings from the CBI investigation include:
- Establishment of chronic waterlogging issues in the Old Rajinder Nagar area.
- Confirmation that the coaching centre was operating from the building's basement, a factor included in charges against accused public servants and private individuals.
The agency filed its initial chargesheet on September 24, 2024, followed by a supplementary final report on April 24, 2025.
Background of the Case and High Court Intervention
The case originated from the tragic drowning of three civil service aspirants in a flooded basement during heavy rains. On August 2, 2024, the Delhi High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI, mandating a "full-fledged investigation" covering criminal negligence, dereliction of duties, and corrupt practices.
The High Court had criticized the initial police investigation for failing to question MCD officials or seize relevant files from the civic body, which it deemed crucial evidence. In a sharp rebuke, the court remarked that the police approach seemed inclined to "fine the water, saying 'how dare it enter the coaching centre's basement'"—highlighting perceived inadequacies in the probe.
This court order for re-investigation marks a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention to safety standards in educational coaching centres and accountability in disaster response mechanisms.
