L-G Greenlights Disciplinary Action in Rajinder Nagar Tragedy
In a significant development concerning the tragic flooding incident at a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has given his official approval for initiating disciplinary proceedings against two senior Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officers. The action stems from their alleged negligence of duty and concealment of facts related to the event that led to the deaths of three young IAS aspirants.
Details of the Negligence and the Fatal Incident
The unfortunate incident occurred on July 27 last year, when heavy rainfall caused the basement library of RAU's IAS Study Circle to flood catastrophically. Three students, who were trapped inside the basement, lost their lives. An investigation into the matter revealed a chain of administrative failures.
According to officials from the L-G's office, the two implicated officers, Divisional Officer Ved Pal and Assistant Divisional Officer Udai Vir Singh, had inspected the coaching centre premises on July 1 last year. Their task was to assess the facility for the issuance of a Fire Safety Certificate. Shockingly, during this inspection, they allegedly approved the illegal use of the basement as a seating area and library.
Based on this flawed and incorrect recommendation, the Fire Safety Certificate was officially issued on July 9, 2024, by the DFS. A statement from the L-G office accused the officers of not only giving a 'go-ahead' for the basement's illegal usage but also of actively concealing this critical fact and failing to report the misuse.
Aftermath and Official Response
Following a probe conducted by the district magistrate, both Ved Pal and Udai Vir Singh were suspended last year. The L-G's recent approval now paves the way for formal disciplinary action against them under Rule 18, read with Rule 14, of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.
This case has highlighted serious lapses in the fire safety certification process in Delhi. The tragic deaths of the three students have prompted calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and more accountable inspection regimes for coaching centres and other educational institutions across the city.
