Delhi coaching centre deaths: CBI takes over probe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken charge of the investigation into the deaths of three civil services aspirants at a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, and has filed an FIR against the institute’s owner, officials said on Wednesday.

The CBI assumed control of the case from the Delhi Police on Tuesday evening, following a directive from the Delhi High Court. The central agency has formally registered a case against Abhishek Gupta, the owner of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, adhering to standard procedures, according to officials.

The victims, Shreya Yadav (25) from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni (25) from Telangana, and Nevin Delvin (24) from Kerala, drowned when water flooded the basement of the building where Rau’s IAS Study Circle is located during heavy rains on July 27.

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The IAS aspirants were in the library situated in the basement when it became inundated, leading to their tragic deaths.

The CBI has charged Gupta with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, causing death by negligence, voluntarily causing hurt, negligent conduct, and common intention.

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The high court criticised the police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for the students’ deaths, expressing disbelief at how they were unable to escape the basement. The court inquired if the exits were obstructed or if the stairways were too narrow.

The court questioned, “How did the students drown? An investigation has been conducted now. As of August 2, why were they unable to escape the basement? Flooding doesn’t occur instantly; it takes at least two to three minutes for a basement to fill with water, not just a minute. Why couldn’t they get out?”

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Additionally, the court requested the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to appoint a senior officer to oversee the CBI’s investigation into the criminal case.

(With inputs from PTI)