Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved the immediate suspension of two senior Delhi Fire Services officers following their alleged negligence in the tragic deaths of three civil service aspirants at a coaching centre in Old Rajendra Nagar. The victims drowned in the flooded basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle on July 27.
Divisional Officer Ved Pal and Assistant Divisional Officer Udai Vir Singh, both Group ‘A’ officers, have been accused of failing to report the misuse of the basement, which was being used as an illegal library. The officers had conducted an inspection of the premises before issuing a Fire Safety Certificate on July 9, but did not address the basement’s unauthorized use or refer the matter to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). This oversight contributed to the erroneous issuance of the certificate.
A detailed inquiry by the district magistrate revealed further lapses, including the MCD’s failure to inspect and seal the illegal library and its issuance of a completion-cum-occupancy certificate in September 2021.
The Delhi government has also initiated action against other MCD and Public Works Department officials for failing to address inadequate drainage infrastructure in the area. Following the suspension, the case will be forwarded to the National Capital Civil Service Authority for further disciplinary recommendations.
The incident, which resulted in the deaths of Tanya Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Nevin Delvin, has drawn widespread attention. The case was transferred to the CBI in August, and authorities continue to investigate the involvement of other individuals, including the coaching centre’s management.
