3 days on: Water drainage continues at Rau’s IAS; MCD scrutinized

Pipes were actively expelling water from the academy’s basement, three days after Rau’s IAS tragedy

| Updated: 31 July, 2024 4:49 pm IST

Rau's IAS Study Circle

NEW DELHI: Three days after the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants at Rau’s IAS Academy in Delhi, water drainage issues from the basement continue, placing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) under scrutiny. Despite ongoing investigations, no civic body officials have been arrested by the Delhi Police.

A New Indian correspondent visiting the site observed that drainage pipes were still actively expelling water from the academy’s basement. The persistent water issue raises concerns about the drainage system’s effectiveness and conditions at the time of the incident. The New Indian also found that the academy has two basement areas—one for classes and one for a library.

student detailing The New Indian about the tragedy at Rau’s IAS

A student, who requested anonymity, stated, “It’s shocking that the drainage issue remains unresolved even after this tragedy. It highlights a lack of urgency and concern for safety.” Another aspirant added, “Delhi Police have been threatening and pressuring us to stop the protest, trying to silence our voices.” Local complaints also pointed to heavily clogged drains in the area, leading to flood-like conditions after heavy rains on Saturday.

Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar’s Magisterial Enquiry report submitted to Revenue Minister Atishi on Tuesday revealed that Rau’s Study Circle had completely obstructed the drainage system and failed to implement necessary safety measures.

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This negligence contributed to the flooding and the deaths of three IAS aspirants—Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nevin Dalwin from Kerala, when the basement of the Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar flooded following heavy rain on July 27.