NewKerala.com

Delhi Fire Officials Face Action: 3 Student Deaths in Illegal Library

Delhi's Lieutenant Governor has approved disciplinary action against two senior fire department officials. The officials allegedly submitted a false report that allowed illegal use of a basement as a library. This negligence contributed to the deaths of three IAS aspirants during waterlogging in July 2024. The incident has sparked widespread protests and multiple investigations into safety violations.

Key Points: Delhi LG Approves Action Against Fire Officials for Student Deaths

  • Two fire officials submitted false inspection report for illegal basement library
  • Three IAS aspirants drowned during waterlogging in unauthorized facility
  • Officials suspended immediately after July 2024 tragedy
  • LG directs Vigilance Department to complete investigation promptly
2 min read

Delhi LG approves action against 2 fire officials for basement library deaths

Delhi LG approves disciplinary action against two fire officials for negligence in basement library deaths of three IAS aspirants during waterlogging incident.

"Action has now been initiated against them under Rules 14 and 18 of the CCS Rules, 1965 - Official Statement"

New Delhi, Nov 7

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena approved disciplinary action against two senior fire department officials for negligence and concealment of facts related to the death of three students in the basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajendra Nagar last year, an official said on Friday.

Divisional Officer Vedpal and Assistant Divisional Officer Udayveer Singh had allegedly submitted a false report after inspecting the basement on July 1, 2024, and illegally permitted its use as a library.

The false report had become the basis of a fire safety certificate that was issued on July 9 to the coaching centre to use the basement as a library, said the official.

Soon after the tragic death of the three IAS aspirants in the basement, both the officials had been placed under suspension, the official said.

Action has now been initiated against them under Rules 14 and 18 of the CCS (Commission on Civil Aviation) Rules, 1965, said an official statement.

The Lieutenant Governor has directed the Vigilance Department to complete the investigation within the stipulated time.

On July 27, 2024, three students died due to waterlogging in the illegal basement following heavy rains. The deceased students were Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Navin Delwin from Kerala.

The incident sparked protests over the alleged negligence of government agencies for allowing illegal use of the basement as a library. The space was officially designated only for parking and storage.

After the heavy rain, the three victims drowned to death while 17 others remained trapped for several hours, exposing significant safety violations.

A petitioner also approached the Delhi High Court to order the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe into the incident.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had also constituted a committee to investigate the incident.

This committee comprised the Additional Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs, Delhi's Principal Secretary for Home, Special Commissioner of Delhi Police, the Fire Advisor, and Joint Secretary of MHA.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some action! But why does it take such tragic incidents for authorities to wake up? Basement safety violations are common across Delhi. Hope this sets an example for others.
D
David E
As someone who works in urban planning, this case highlights systemic failures. Basements converted to commercial use without proper safety measures is a widespread problem. Need comprehensive safety audits across all coaching centers.
A
Ananya R
My heart goes out to the families. Shreya, Tanya, and Navin were just trying to achieve their dreams. The system failed them completely. Hope the investigation brings justice and prevents such tragedies in future.
V
Vikram M
While I support action against corrupt officials, I hope the LG also addresses the root cause - why are coaching centers operating in unsafe conditions? The entire education system needs reform to reduce pressure on students.
S
Sarah B
This is exactly why we need independent safety audits and better enforcement. Too many buildings in Delhi violate safety norms. Hope this case leads to stricter implementation of building codes across the city.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50