Coaching centre flooding: Security standards were violated at Rau's IAS Study Circle; Chief Secretary submits report

NEW DELHI: Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar has submitted a report on the death of three students, including a Malayali, in the flooding disaster at the Civil Service Training Center in Delhi. According to the magisterial inquiry report submitted to Delhi Education Minister Atishi, Rau's IAS Study Circle institute where the tragedy occurred was operating in violation of safety norms. There is no drainage system in the institution. There were no other safety precautions. This is what led to the tragedy, the report states.

Don't blame an unexisting biometric lock

The students denied reports that one of the reasons for the disaster was the failure of the biometric lock. The students have been protesting since Saturday night. Students said there was no biometric lock system in the basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle. There is no automatic door-locking system. There are two doors in the basement. Usually, one of them will be closed by 6 pm. The students suspect that the dead may have been trapped near this closed door. They demanded an efficient investigation into the incident.

12 missing: Pappu Yadav MP

MP Pappu Yadav alleged that 12 students of the coaching centre are missing and efforts are being made to cover it up. Pappu Yadav, who contested as an independent candidate in Bihar, is part of the 'India' front. The students had alleged that the body of one student was handed over to the family members without revealing it and another student was missing.

High Court to hear PIL tomorrow

Tomorrow, the Delhi High Court will consider the plea of public interest seeking a high-level committee to investigate the incident. The petitioners are Kudumb, an NGO. The petition demanded the formation of district-level committees to detect illegal constructions in Delhi and take action. Meanwhile, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena responded that appropriate action will be taken in the incident.

A special drive against illegal constructions was conducted today also, under the auspices of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The basements of more than 30 coaching centres in Mukherjee Nagar, Preet Vihar and Rajinder Nagar were shut down.

I am innocent: Manuj Kathuria

Businessman Manuj Kathuria was arrested by the Delhi Police on charges of murder after the incident. The case alleges that Manuj Kathuria drove his luxury car dangerously through the flooded water in the region, causing water to enter the basement of the coaching centre. When the Tis Hazari Court heard the bail plea filed by Manuj Kathuria, who pleaded his innocence, the government counsel objected. The public prosecutor alleged that Kathuria's driving aggravated the incident. The bail application was adjourned for judgment.