Delhi High Court orders CBI Probe into death of UPSC aspirants

| Updated: 02 August, 2024 5:44 pm IST

New Delhi: In a major setback to Delhi Police, the Delhi High Court on Friday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe into the deaths of three UPSC aspirants who drowned in the basement of Rau’s Academy Centre in Central Delhi’s Rajendra Nagar.

The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who decided to transfer the entire investigation to the CBI.

The bench noted that no concrete action had been taken against officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) or other responsible parties. “Having regard to the seriousness of the incident and the potential involvement of corruption by public servants, this court transfers the investigation to the CBI,” the High Court ordered.

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The bench highlighted serious issues with the functioning of the MCD and questioned the efficacy of the Delhi Government. “The cabinet meeting of the Delhi government was last held a month ago. There is no certainty as to when the next meeting will be held. The entire system needs a re-look,” the bench stated.

Furthermore, the Delhi High Court ordered the constitution of a committee headed by the Delhi Chief Secretary to examine the financial and administrative setup of Delhi. This committee will include the Delhi Chief Secretary, the Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and the Delhi Police Commissioner. The committee is tasked with submitting a report.

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The tragic incident occurred when three students, who were preparing for the UPSC exam and were students of Rau’s Academy, drowned after heavy rain caused severe waterlogging in the basement of the academy on a Saturday evening.

So far, the Delhi Police has arrested seven individuals in connection with the incident, with one SUV driver being released on bail.