Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a sharp critique of the police handling of the tragic drowning deaths of three civil services aspirants in the basement of a coaching center, the Delhi High Court has transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court’s decision comes amidst concerns over the arrest of an SUV driver who was crossing the area during the incident.
The High Court took a swipe at the authorities, suggesting it was fortunate the police had not “challaned the rainwater” responsible for the flooding. The court implied that higher officials might be implicated in the case and emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation.
“Given the nature of the incident and to ensure public confidence in the investigation, this court transfers the investigation to the CBI,” stated the Delhi High Court. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has been directed to appoint a senior officer to monitor the CBI investigation and ensure it is completed promptly.
Manuj Kathuria, who faced charges of ‘culpable homicide not amounting to murder’ for driving on the waterlogged road near the coaching center, was granted bail yesterday. The court underscored that the police should earn respect by arresting the guilty and protecting the innocent, warning against the grave injustice of the reverse.
Delhi Police apologized for the missteps but attributed the negative perception to media reports. The court instructed the police to present a clear and factual account, cautioning against a “brothers club” approach and urging a scientific and unbiased investigation.
Questions were raised about the civic officials’ failure to inform the commissioner about the non-functioning stormwater drains in Rajinder Nagar. The court noted that negligence had “become a norm” among Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials.
In connection with the tragedy, Delhi Police have arrested the owner and the coordinator of the coaching center, charging them with culpable homicide. The victims, Shreya Yadav (25) from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni (25) from Telangana, and Nevin Delvin (24) from Ernakulam, Kerala, drowned in the flooded basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar on Saturday night.
Officials stated that the deaths resulted from the absence of a proper drainage system, lack of safety measures, and the use of the basement for commercial activities in violation of norms.
