2 years after 3 students drowned in Delhi coaching centre, safety lapses persist
India Today returned to Old Rajinder Nagar to assess what has changed on the ground nearly two years after the tragedy and found that while basement libraries have disappeared from the surface, concerns over safety compliance remain.
Nearly two years after three civil service aspirants lost their lives in the basement flooding at Rau's IAS Study Circle in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar, questions over safety violations in the coaching hub continue to linger.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the probe into the July 27, 2024 tragedy, has alleged lapses on the part of three junior MCD officials in the discharge of their duties. However, the agency has not held senior MCD officials responsible, stating that they were not aware that an illegal library was operating from the basement of the coaching institute.
India Today returned to Old Rajinder Nagar to assess what has changed on the ground nearly two years after the tragedy and found that while basement libraries have disappeared from the surface, concerns over safety compliance remain.
BASEMENT SHUT BUT COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY CONTINUES
The infamous basement libraries that once catered to hundreds of aspirants were no longer operational during India Today's visit.
However, several basements in the area continue to house commercial establishments, including gyms and shops.
According to MCD building regulations, commercial activities in basements are not permitted in many such cases. Despite this, these spaces continue to function openly, raising questions over enforcement.
The focus then shifted to the libraries that were forced to shut down after the tragedy.
Many of them have now moved to upper floors of buildings, but questions over compliance with safety norms remain.
LIBRARIES MOVE UPSTAIRS BUT VIOLATION CONTINUE
One such facility visited by India Today was Revolution Library in Old Rajinder Nagar.
The library was operating from the first floor of a building, a location that is not prohibited under building rules. But inside, several safety concerns emerged.
The facility appeared to have only one narrow entry and exit point, measuring around one-and-a-half feet in width. Loose electrical wires were also seen hanging near the exit area.
Inside, several students were studying on computer systems, while multiple air conditioners were running simultaneously. The heavy electrical load raised concerns over possible short circuits or fire hazards if proper maintenance and safety measures are not followed.
When India Today questioned the person managing the facility about fire and MCD approvals, he initially claimed that the required permissions were in place.
However, when asked to explain how approvals were obtained without complying with safety norms, his response changed. He later said that the library had only applied for permissions.
This effectively indicated that the facility may have been operating without the necessary approval from relevant departments.
When the India Today team attempted to record further details, another person at the premises objected. He initially tried to stop the recording and later claimed that he was not associated with the library.
Soon after, the gate of the facility was hurriedly shut from inside, preventing further access.
SAFETY QUESTIONS REMAIN
This is not the first time concerns over safety violations in coaching centres and libraries have come under scrutiny.
On June 23, India Today had highlighted similar issues after a fire incident at a coaching centre in Lucknow. Following that report, Delhi Chief Minister had said action would be taken against coaching institutes and libraries violating safety norms.
However, the ground reality in Old Rajinder Nagar suggests that several establishments continue to operate despite questions over compliance.
WHERE'S THE ACCOUNTABILITY?
The July 2024 tragedy exposed a deadly combination of overcrowded facilities, safety lapses and regulatory failures in Delhi's coaching hub.
The CBI investigation has focused on officials accused of failing in their duties, while senior MCD officials have received relief on the grounds that they were unaware of the illegal basement library.
But the question remains: if another tragedy occurs, who will be held responsible?
For thousands of aspirants who continue to study in Old Rajinder Nagar, the fear is not just about clearing an exam. It is also about whether the spaces they study in are safe enough to keep them alive.
Nearly two years after three civil service aspirants lost their lives in the basement flooding at Rau's IAS Study Circle in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar, questions over safety violations in the coaching hub continue to linger.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the probe into the July 27, 2024 tragedy, has alleged lapses on the part of three junior MCD officials in the discharge of their duties. However, the agency has not held senior MCD officials responsible, stating that they were not aware that an illegal library was operating from the basement of the coaching institute.
India Today returned to Old Rajinder Nagar to assess what has changed on the ground nearly two years after the tragedy and found that while basement libraries have disappeared from the surface, concerns over safety compliance remain.
BASEMENT SHUT BUT COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY CONTINUES
The infamous basement libraries that once catered to hundreds of aspirants were no longer operational during India Today's visit.
However, several basements in the area continue to house commercial establishments, including gyms and shops.
According to MCD building regulations, commercial activities in basements are not permitted in many such cases. Despite this, these spaces continue to function openly, raising questions over enforcement.
The focus then shifted to the libraries that were forced to shut down after the tragedy.
Many of them have now moved to upper floors of buildings, but questions over compliance with safety norms remain.
LIBRARIES MOVE UPSTAIRS BUT VIOLATION CONTINUE
One such facility visited by India Today was Revolution Library in Old Rajinder Nagar.
The library was operating from the first floor of a building, a location that is not prohibited under building rules. But inside, several safety concerns emerged.
The facility appeared to have only one narrow entry and exit point, measuring around one-and-a-half feet in width. Loose electrical wires were also seen hanging near the exit area.
Inside, several students were studying on computer systems, while multiple air conditioners were running simultaneously. The heavy electrical load raised concerns over possible short circuits or fire hazards if proper maintenance and safety measures are not followed.
When India Today questioned the person managing the facility about fire and MCD approvals, he initially claimed that the required permissions were in place.
However, when asked to explain how approvals were obtained without complying with safety norms, his response changed. He later said that the library had only applied for permissions.
This effectively indicated that the facility may have been operating without the necessary approval from relevant departments.
When the India Today team attempted to record further details, another person at the premises objected. He initially tried to stop the recording and later claimed that he was not associated with the library.
Soon after, the gate of the facility was hurriedly shut from inside, preventing further access.
SAFETY QUESTIONS REMAIN
This is not the first time concerns over safety violations in coaching centres and libraries have come under scrutiny.
On June 23, India Today had highlighted similar issues after a fire incident at a coaching centre in Lucknow. Following that report, Delhi Chief Minister had said action would be taken against coaching institutes and libraries violating safety norms.
However, the ground reality in Old Rajinder Nagar suggests that several establishments continue to operate despite questions over compliance.
WHERE'S THE ACCOUNTABILITY?
The July 2024 tragedy exposed a deadly combination of overcrowded facilities, safety lapses and regulatory failures in Delhi's coaching hub.
The CBI investigation has focused on officials accused of failing in their duties, while senior MCD officials have received relief on the grounds that they were unaware of the illegal basement library.
But the question remains: if another tragedy occurs, who will be held responsible?
For thousands of aspirants who continue to study in Old Rajinder Nagar, the fear is not just about clearing an exam. It is also about whether the spaces they study in are safe enough to keep them alive.
