The Delhi High Court on Friday criticized the Delhi Police for failing to conduct a thorough “scientific investigation” into the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants in a flooded basement at a coaching center. The court highlighted “glaring omissions” in the police’s approach and transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure an unbiased and comprehensive probe.
The court emphasized the need for an independent agency to handle the investigation to maintain public trust, as the incident involved potential negligence by government officials and possible corruption. The tragic event occurred on July 27 when heavy rains caused flooding in the basement library of Rau’s coaching center, leading to the drowning of three students.
A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to appoint a senior officer to oversee the CBI investigation, ensuring it is conducted promptly. The judges expressed disbelief at the police’s failure to determine why the students could not escape the basement, questioning whether the exits were blocked or the staircases were too narrow.
The bench pressed the Delhi Police for answers, asking, “Why were the students unable to exit the basement? Water does not fill a basement instantly; it takes a few minutes.” The court also criticized the police for not interrogating Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials and failing to secure relevant documents promptly.
Senior advocate Sanjay Jain, representing the Delhi Police, faced the court’s ire as the judges remarked, “No disrespect, but we don’t think your police are equipped to handle this case.” The bench reprimanded the police for arresting an SUV driver and placing undue blame on him, sarcastically commenting, “Mercifully, you have not fined the rainwater for entering the basement.”
MCD commissioner informed the court that stormwater drains in the area were not functioning, prompting the bench to order the immediate removal of encroachments and unauthorized constructions obstructing these drains. The court questioned why police had not interrogated the municipal official responsible for the dysfunctional stormwater drain and stressed the importance of holding officials accountable.
The court criticized both the police and MCD for their lack of seriousness and adherence to judicial orders, highlighting a lack of respect for the law and accountability for human lives. The High Court’s decision to transfer the investigation to the CBI underscores the need for a meticulous and independent probe to uncover the truth behind the tragic deaths of the UPSC aspirants.