New Delhi, July 30, 2024: Vikas Divyakirti, founder of Drishti IAS, has spoken out following the sealing of his institute by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in the wake of the tragic drowning deaths of three students at Rau’s IAS Study Circle. He claims that he is being unfairly targeted as a scapegoat.
Allegations of Scapegoating:
In an interview with ANI, Divyakirti stated, “I am being targeted because everyone wants a scapegoat in such cases. It makes things easier for the administration, and even society feels they have found someone to blame. The students are understandably upset and asking why I did not stand by them.”
Tragic Incident Details:
The tragedy occurred on July 27, 2024, when Shreya Yadav, Tanya Soni, and Nevin Dalwin drowned in the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar. Divyakirti expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying, “I often think about the suffering those children must have endured.”
Crackdown and Compliance Issues:
Following the incident, the MCD sealed the basement of Drishti IAS among other institutes. Divyakirti defended his institute, noting, “We submitted the complete layout structure of the basement to the MCD, DDA, and fire department for NOC, and there were no rejections. Despite this, the tragedy suggests there was carelessness.”
Future Plans and Assurances:
Divyakirti assured that even if future permissions are granted, Drishti IAS will not operate in a basement. He emphasized, “We will not run any coaching institute in a basement going forward. This is a commitment to ensure safety and compliance.”
Divyakirti’s comments come amid ongoing protests from students and heightened scrutiny of coaching centers in Delhi following the fatal incident.
