MCD Takes Action Shuts down Basements of 13 Coaching Centres after Flooding in Rau’s IAS Center Claimed Three Lives

The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) on Sunday took decisive action by sealing 13 coaching centres operating illegally in basements in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar. This move came just a day after a tragic incident where three civil service aspirants lost their lives in a flooded basement at Rau’s IAS Study Centre during heavy rainfall.

According to the MCD, these coaching centres were found to be in violation of regulations by operating in basements. The list of centres affected by the MCD’s action includes IAS Gurukul, Chahal Academy, Plutus Academy, Sai Trading, IAS Setu, Topper's Academy, Dainik Samvad, Civils Daily IAS, Career Power, 99 Notes, Vidya Guru, Guidance IAS, and Easy for IAS.

The MCD had previously conducted a survey of coaching centres last year following a major fire at a coaching hub in Mukherjee Nagar. This survey aimed to identify those flouting safety norms, with the latest actions reflecting ongoing enforcement efforts. The recent tragedy occurred on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of Shreya Yadav from Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nivin Dalwin from Ernakulam, Kerala. They were trapped in a library located in the basement of Rau’s IAS centre, which became inundated due to severe rainfall. Reports indicate that the single biometric entry and exit point of the centre failed, exacerbating the situation.

The police have arrested five individuals including Abhishek Gupta, the 41-year-old CEO and owner of the institute, and DP Singh, a 60-year-old coordinator in connection with the incident. They face charges of culpable homicide. In response to the flooding, the MCD plans to establish a high-level committee to investigate the incident. An MCD official criticized the negligence of the institute’s owner, stating that the inadequate exit points contributed to the tragedy.​​